Jose Mourinho kicked off his second stint at Benfica in grand style, guiding the club to a dominant 3-0 win over AVS on Saturday. The Portuguese manager’s first victory back at the helm was powered by goals from Heorhiy Sudakov, Vangelis Pavlidis, and Franjo Ivanovic.
The match saw Sudakov strike at the end of the first half, giving Benfica a 1-0 lead. Pavlidis then extended the advantage with a penalty just before the hour mark. Ivanovic completed the comprehensive victory, rounding off the scoring and securing Benfica’s place in second on the table, just five points behind Porto.
The 62-year-old Mourinho, returning to the club 25 years after his first tenure, showed his passion with a celebratory fist pump after Ivanovic’s goal. His energy reflected the intensity of his return as Benfica eyes the title.
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Mourinho’s second spell with the Eagles comes after the club’s decision to part ways with coach Bruno Lage earlier in the week, following a shock defeat in the Champions League by Qarabag, a side from Azerbaijan. Having previously managed Porto before leaving for Chelsea in 2004, Mourinho will face both his former clubs within the next fortnight.
Mourinho, who has enjoyed success at the helm of several major clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, was sacked by Fenerbahce in August. Reflecting on his return to Benfica, Mourinho noted that he is now a “more mature” and “altruistic” figure compared to his first spell at the club, which lasted only 11 games.
