"25 years haven't changed my essence, my passion, or the way I live football," Mourinho stated after the match. "I'm back managing a big club, a giant. In my career, I've managed Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Roma – some clubs with fewer titles but still giants in terms of social stature. Benfica is the same, and this opportunity was impossible to refuse."

Jose Mourinho reacts during Benfica's 3-0 win against AVS in the fifth round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on 20/9. Photo: *Reuters*

At the CD Aves stadium on 20/9, Benfica delivered a vibrant performance in Mourinho's debut match. The visiting team dominated, controlling 64% of the possession and taking 19 shots with six on target, compared to AVS's eight shots and one on target. Goals from Heorhiy Sudakov, Vangelis Pavlidis, and Franjo Ivanovic secured the 3-0 victory. While Benfica could have won by a larger margin, the result provided Mourinho with a positive start.

Mourinho replaced Bruno Lage, who was dismissed just one day after a 3-2 Champions League loss to Qarabag. "The Special One" signed a contract through the 2026-2027 season and had only two training sessions with the team before facing AVS.

"I've requested a few new things," the 62-year-old manager revealed. "I've faced Benfica before, analyzed them thoroughly before and after matches, so I understand them well. I didn't come to a club having only watched one or two games. I've followed them many times and know what I want to change. But right now, the most important thing is to clear the negative atmosphere. The players are under a lot of pressure, the departing manager endures even more, but the players suffer too. I told them that at a big club, you have to enjoy the pressure. That's the message."

Mourinho and Benfica reunite after 25 years. In September 2000, after a long period as a physical education teacher, then youth team manager, interpreter, and assistant manager, Mourinho began his professional managerial career with Benfica. He was appointed in the 4th round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga after the team dismissed German manager Jupp Heynckes. However, in December 2000, after only nine matches, Mourinho left Benfica due to disagreements with the club's new management.

Mourinho admitted that he had considered returning to Portugal but in a different role. "I always believed that one day I would return to my homeland, but I thought it would be to manage the national team," he said. "There was a time when the opportunity arose, but I couldn't accept it. I still believe it will happen, just at the right time. And now, Benfica offers the opportunity, a truly huge club, and I'm not just saying that because I'm here."

Jose Mourinho's Instagram post.

On Instagram, Mourinho also posted a photo of his victorious debut against AVS with the caption "Really happy".

Benfica moved up to second place in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 13 points after five matches, five points behind Porto but with a game in hand. On 23/9, Mourinho and Benfica return home to face Rio Ave.

Hong Duy (*A Bola, ESPN*)