Benfica prepare for first Champions League match under Mourinho against Chelsea

VIDEO SHOWS: BENFICA'S AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE AWAY TO CHELSEA COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW SHOWS: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) TO FOLLOW STORY: Chelsea will welcome Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday (September 30), with the Portuguese coach returning to the London club where he won three Premier League titles across two spells. Mourinho, who returned to Benfica 25 years after his first stint, managed Chelsea from 2004–2007 and 2013–2015, delivering a haul of trophies that cemented his reputation as one of Europe's best managers at the time. Mourinho, appointed at Benfica on September 18, inherited a team unbeaten in their opening four league games with three wins and a draw and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Mourinho was sacked in August by Turkish side Fenerbahce after they lost to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round. Then on September 18, the 62-year old was hired by Benfica where he first cut his coaching teeth 25 years ago and has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches in charge. Benfica were beaten 3-2 at home by Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan on matchday one, prompting the sacking of head coach Bruno Lage, while Chelsea opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. (Production: Ben Makori, Conal Quinn)

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