José Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge as Benfica's manager ended in a defeat against Chelsea, easing the pressure on current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. The Champions League match saw Chelsea secure a victory, much to the delight of the home fans, while Mourinho's Benfica put up a valiant fight.
Mourinho, now 62, received a warm welcome from the Chelsea supporters, acknowledging his storied past with the club where he won three Premier League titles across two spells. He has only managed one victory in eight journeys back to Stamford Bridge with a rival team. That win was in 2010 when his Inter Milan defeated Chelsea on their way to winning the Champions League. Despite the defeat, Mourinho remains an iconic figure at Chelsea, having led them to significant success during his tenures.
The match itself was more captivating because of Mourinho's presence on the touchline. Chelsea managed to secure their first win of this season's European campaign, thanks to an own goal. However, they made it difficult for themselves, with João Pedro receiving a second yellow card in injury time.
Maresca, who had previously guided Chelsea to triumphs in the Conference League last season and the FIFA Club World Cup, acknowledged Mourinho's legendary status. He recognized Mourinho as "a legend for Chelsea, a legend for different clubs around the world". Mourinho had also praised Chelsea's board for their faith in Maresca.
Mourinho, who was appointed manager of Benfica on September 18, 2025, after being sacked by Fenerbahce in August 2025, has stated his divided loyalties. "I am part of their history, and they are part of my history," he said, acknowledging his deep connection with Chelsea. However, he also emphasized his commitment to his current team: "I am not a blue anymore. I am red, and I want to win".
Chelsea, under Maresca, have had a mixed run of form recently. Injuries have also impacted the team, adding to the challenges. Despite these difficulties, the victory against Benfica is crucial for Chelsea's Champions League campaign, boosting their chances of advancing in the competition.
Mourinho, reflecting on his Chelsea legacy, stated that he helped them become a bigger Chelsea, and they helped him become a bigger José. He emphasized that Chelsea was a winning machine during his time and continued to win with other managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Thomas Tuchel.
The match served as a potential distraction for Chelsea, who needed a victory to kickstart their Champions League campaign after a defeat to Bayern Munich. For Mourinho, the return to Stamford Bridge was an opportunity to revisit familiar territory and reconnect with a club where he achieved considerable success.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Liverpool in their next match, and this win against Benfica has eased some of the pressure on Maresca. The team will aim to build on this victory and improve their performance in both the Champions League and domestic competitions.
Mourinho's managerial career has seen him lead several top clubs, including Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma. He has won league championships in four countries and is one of the few managers to have won the European Cup with two clubs. He is also the only manager to have won all three current UEFA club competitions.
