Jose Mourinho’s much-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge ended in defeat as his Benfica side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League.
The only goal of the game came in the first half when Richard Ríos turned the ball into his own net after pressure from Chelsea’s attack. It was a scrappy strike, but enough to hand Enzo Maresca’s team three vital points.
Mourinho, back in west London for the first time since his spells with Manchester United and Tottenham, was warmly welcomed by the Chelsea supporters. The Portuguese coach, who famously led the Blues to multiple Premier League titles after arriving from Porto in 2004, waved to the crowd but could not deliver a memorable result for Benfica.
The visitors had early chances, with Dodi Lukébakio and Richard Ríos testing Robert Sánchez in the Chelsea goal, but they faded as the game wore on. Benfica rarely threatened in the second half, and Mourinho’s team looked short of ideas in attack.
For Chelsea, the win was much-needed after recent league defeats to Brighton and Manchester United. Injuries meant Maresca had to field a youthful side, but they showed resilience and held firm even after João Pedro was sent off in stoppage time.
Mourinho, now 62, cut a calmer figure on the touchline than in his past Chelsea days. This time there was no tactical masterclass or late drama – only a reminder that the Stamford Bridge crowd still hold deep affection for their former manager, even in defeat.