LONDON (BN24) — Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment on Tuesday as his Benfica side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. The loss came after a costly first-half own goal by Richard Rios.
Mourinho, whose two stints at Chelsea turned the club into a European powerhouse, had hoped to pull off a victory over his former team. However, an error from Ríos in the 18th minute proved decisive. Alejandro Garnacho’s cross from the left forced Ríos into a panicked clearance that looped into his own net, putting Chelsea ahead.
The match marked Mourinho’s first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea for a second time in 2015. His tenure at Chelsea saw him win three Premier League titles and seven major trophies. However, since his departure, his visits to Stamford Bridge with other clubs have been less successful. His only victory in West London came in 2010, when he guided Inter Milan to a 1-0 win in the Champions League.
On Tuesday, Mourinho’s side started brightly. Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio both tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez early in the match, but their efforts were either saved or denied by the post. Despite controlling much of the play in the opening minutes, Benfica was punished by Ríos’s unfortunate mistake.
After the goal, Mourinho’s side struggled to find a way back into the game. While Chelsea failed to extend their lead, Tyrique George missed a good chance just before halftime, Benfica’s attacking play lacked the sharpness required to break down Chelsea’s defense in the second half.
Mourinho, known for his fiery demeanor, did attempt to quell tensions when Benfica fans threw objects at Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez. The Portuguese manager walked along the touchline, urging supporters to stop the barrage, which appeared to defuse the situation.
Despite the late drama, which included a red card for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro for a high boot on Leandro Barreiro, the scoreline remained unchanged. Mourinho, visibly frustrated by his team’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities, could do little to prevent his first loss as Benfica manager.
Chelsea, meanwhile, bounced back from recent setbacks. After losing three of their last four games, the 1-0 victory will provide a boost to manager Enzo Maresca, whose team had struggled for consistency early this season.
The win lifts Chelsea’s confidence as they look to regain momentum in both the Premier League and Europe. For Mourinho, it was a painful reminder of the challenges ahead as he looks to turn Benfica’s fortunes around.
