{"id":11190,"date":"2025-10-02T10:57:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T08:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=11190"},"modified":"2025-10-02T10:57:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T08:57:27","slug":"mourinhos-stamford-bridge-homecoming-marred-by-narrow-defeat-against-chelsea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/mourinhos-stamford-bridge-homecoming-marred-by-narrow-defeat-against-chelsea\/","title":{"rendered":"Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Homecoming Marred by Narrow Defeat Against Chelsea"},"content":{"rendered":"
Stamford Bridge was set for a nostalgic evening as Jos\u00e9 Mourinho returned to the venue where he launched his managerial career. The Portuguese coach previously remarked on his return that no club has made him excited about joining more than Benfica. However, instead of celebrating, it turned out to be another disappointing night for Mourinho, as Chelsea narrowly defeated Benfica 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League matchup.<\/p>\n

This latest outcome leaves Mourinho still seeking his first victory over Chelsea as a manager since 2010, extending his winless streak to eight matches (D3, L5) against the team he once led to Premier League success. Paradoxically, it was his old club that marred his homecoming, as Enzo Maresca\u2019s team showed resilience and composure to achieve their first European win of the season.<\/p>\n

Softfootball anticipated a tight contest in the match preview, predicting a 1-all draw, but Chelsea secured the victory early with a goal that came from a scrappy first half. After Benfica started strong\u2014with Dodi Luk\u00e9bakio testing Robert S\u00e1nchez before hitting the post\u2014Chelsea found their rhythm. Pedro Neto, always energetic, fired just wide before sending in a cross that created confusion in the box. Under pressure, Richard R\u00edos inadvertently deflected Alejandro Garnacho\u2019s shot into his own net.<\/p>\n

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\"Pedro
Pedro Neto of Chelsea (Photo Credit: Chelsea via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Blues nearly doubled their lead before halftime when Tyrique George, starting in a forward role, almost converted a precise cross from Marc Cucurella but was thwarted by Anatoliy Trubin. Cucurella’s exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match title, and Chelsea shared a photo of the defender celebrating with his award on their official X account.<\/a><\/p>\n

The post:<\/p>\n

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Benfica attempted to regroup after the break, with Fredrik Aursnes getting into promising positions but being caught offside twice. Mourinho opted for a bold change with a triple substitution, yet Chelsea maintained their defensive structure, frustrating the guests and almost scoring again when Est\u00eav\u00e3o forced a superb save from Trubin.<\/p>\n

In a dramatic finale, Jo\u00e3o Pedro received a second yellow card in stoppage time, marking Chelsea’s third red card in as many games, but Maresca\u2019s squad managed to hold on for the win.<\/p>\n

This defeat will sting for Mourinho, as his last triumph at Stamford Bridge was the celebrated 2010 victory with Inter Milan, and even upon returning, this iconic venue remains unwelcoming.<\/p><\/div>\n