Real Madrid Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho kicked off his second chapter at Benfica with a dominant 3-0 dismantling of AVS on Saturday, igniting hopes of a trophy-laden revival for the Portuguese giants.
Ukrainian midfielder, Heorhiy Sudakov broke the deadlock with a clinical strike just before halftime, setting the tone for Benfica’s command. Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, coolly dispatching the award after a foul in the box.
Youngster Franjo Ivanovic then put the gloss on the victory 20 minutes later, rifling home to send the away fans into raptures and propel Benfica into second place—five points adrift of table-toppers Porto, with a game in hand.
The 62-year-old tactician, returning to the Eagles’ nest after a quarter-century, couldn’t contain his fire following Ivanovic’s clincher. Fist pumping wildly and booting a stray cone across the touchline, Mourinho channeled the unbridled passion that has defined his storied career.
“This is what Benfica deserves—fire, fight, and football that wins,” he roared to reporters post-match, his trademark intensity on full display.
Mourinho’s glittering resume—trophies galore with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United—had hit a rare snag this summer when he was axed by Turkish side Fenerbahce amid a rocky start. But his Benfica roots run deep: He first helmed the club for a whirlwind 11 matches in 2000 before departing for Porto, where he claimed the Primeira Liga title in 2004 en route to Stamford Bridge glory.
The seismic switch came midweek, after Benfica parted ways with boss Bruno Lage following a humiliating Champions League upset against Azerbaijani underdogs Qarabag.
Mourinho was unveiled as successor on Thursday, drawing a massive crowd to the Estadio da Luz. Reflecting on his growth since those early days, he declared during the press conference: “I’m more mature now, more altruistic—ready to give everything for this club, not just take. Benfica isn’t just a job; it’s unfinished business.”
With blockbuster clashes against Porto and his old flame Chelsea looming within the next fortnight, the “Special One” faces an instant trial by fire.
“Challenges? That’s my oxygen,” Mourinho grinned earlier this week.
“We’ll shock the world again—watch us soar.” He said.
