Benfica manager José Mourinho suffered defeat on his return to Chelsea, as Richard Rios’s own goal handed the Blues a 1-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday night.
Rios’s first-half mistake at Stamford Bridge denied Mourinho the chance of a memorable win over the club with which he is most closely associated.
The 62-year-old, who won three Premier League titles and seven major trophies during two spells at Chelsea, remains a fan favourite. On Monday, he declared himself “always a Blue” and was warmly received by supporters, with his name repeatedly chanted throughout the match.
Despite Benfica’s bright start — with Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio both testing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez — Chelsea took the lead in the 18th minute. Alejandro Garnacho’s cross forced a panicked clearance from Rios, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Mourinho, sacked by Fenerbahce in August before rejoining Benfica, has now failed to win in seven visits to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Benfica since leaving Chelsea in 2015. His only away triumph there remains Inter Milan’s 2010 Champions League victory en route to lifting the trophy.
Benfica pressed for an equaliser after the break but lacked precision, while Chelsea wasted chances to extend their lead, including a miss from Tyrique George before half-time. Even Joao Pedro’s late red card for the Blues could not turn the tide.
The result marked Mourinho’s first loss since returning to Benfica, while Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca welcomed a much-needed victory after recent setbacks against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Brighton.
