Chelsea Secure Narrow Champions League Win Over Benfica Amid Mourinho's Stamford Bridge Return

Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as the manager of Benfica to face Chelsea in a Champions League match, receiving a warm welcome from the Chelsea fans despite the current team's struggles under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea narrowly won 1-0 through an own goal by Benfica's Richard Rios, but the match was marked by a late red card for Chelsea's substitute Joao Pedro, highlighting ongoing disciplinary issues within the team. Mourinho, now 62 and known for his emotional and tactical approach, showed his continued passion and influence, though his Benfica side ultimately fell short. The game underscored the contrast between Mourinho's past successes at Chelsea, where he won three Premier League titles, and the current challenges facing the club. Fans still hold Mourinho in high regard, singing his name during the match, while Maresca's team managed a hard-fought victory despite recent poor form. Mourinho expressed his enduring affection for Chelsea, calling himself "part of the club" despite his long absence and previous stints managing rival teams.