UCL: Mourinho denied winning return as Chelsea edge Benfica 1-0

Jose Mourinho was beaten on his return to Stamford Bridge as his Benfica side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Richard Rios’ first-half own goal ruined Mourinho’s hopes of a dream comeback against the club where he enjoyed his greatest success.

The 62-year-old, who won three Premier League titles and seven major trophies across two spells at Chelsea, was warmly welcomed back by fans who repeatedly chanted his name.

However, his poor record at the Bridge since leaving in 2015 continued, with no wins in seven visits as manager of Manchester United, Tottenham, and now Benfica.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho praised his players’ effort.

“A defeat is always a defeat, but this one can be a start for us. It was a stable performance,” he said.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez denied Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio in a strong Benfica spell, but the own goal proved decisive.