*Goals: Sudakov 45', Pavlidis (penalty) 59', Ivanovic 64'
Returning to Benfica after 25 years, Mourinho was greeted with resounding applause from the Vila das Aves stadium crowd. He provided several memorable moments, including kicking a water bottle after a goal, punching the ground, and then pretending to dive for the ball like a goalkeeper.
Benfica fans have waited a long time for this moment. After a shocking Champions League defeat under Bruno Lage, the board decided to replace him with Mourinho. Just two days after taking the job, "The Special One" stepped onto the pitch with his familiar look: dark suit, steely gaze, and a very different Benfica compared to 25 years ago.
At 62, Mourinho still displays energy and passion for the game. When Ivanovic scored the third goal, sealing the 3-0 victory, he kicked a water bottle. During the match, when he saw the ball coming towards him, he even mimed diving for it and missing. In the stands, even the home fans had to laugh.
Before kickoff, the entire Vila das Aves stadium rose to applaud Mourinho's return to Portugal. This is the first time Mourinho has managed Benfica since 2000, when he only lasted 11 matches. Over two decades later, he returns with two Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan, a La Liga title with Real Madrid, a Premier League title with Chelsea, a Europa League title with Manchester United, and a Conference League title with Roma. Now he wants to leave a lasting legacy at the place where his managerial career began.
Benfica's players also felt the new energy from "The Special One". Heorhiy Sudakov, the scorer of the opening goal and also a new signing, said that working with Mourinho is like a childhood dream. "I want to learn from him every day," the Ukrainian midfielder said. "We can do something special."
In his introductory press conference with Benfica, Mourinho said he was "more mature and altruistic." But his sideline antics remain unchanged, bringing color and laughter.
This victory puts Benfica back in second place with 13 points after five matches. Porto leads with six wins from six matches and will face Benfica on the evening of 5/10. But before that, Mourinho's team will host Gil Vicente in round 7 on the evening of 26/9, and then travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Champions League.
Hoang An
