Mourinho’s return to the site of his former glory… 25 years later

Two weeks ago, Jose Mourinho made an inglorious return to Da Luz after 25 years, as Benfica managed only a 1–1 draw against Rio Ave. Last Tuesday, the trophy-laden coach was defeated at “his” Stamford Bridge by Chelsea in the Champions League (0–1). And tonight, he once again stood on the ground where he once wrote some of the most significant chapters of his managerial career.

In the 183rd edition of the Portuguese football Classico, Benfica visited Porto at the Dragao. As expected—and unlike in Lisbon or London—Mourinho was greeted with boos (understandably so, as he now sits on the rival’s bench). But this time, he got what he wanted on the pitch: his team avoided defeat, holding Porto to a 0–0 draw and ending the Dragons’ perfect start to the season.

Much more was expected from the match, especially in attack. However, the tactical discipline demanded by Jose Mourinho and Francesco Farioli—two coaches renowned for their defensive setups—seemed to tie their players’ legs.

Both sides played very cautiously—understandably so, given the stakes. Benfica gained far more from this point, remaining just four points behind the league leaders. The result also pleased second-placed Sporting, though they’d surely have preferred not to drop their earlier lead against Braga. The Lions now sit three points behind the Dragons.

Although this match will soon fade from memory due to its lack of excitement, Mora’s strike against the bar wasn’t the only moment worth noting. The woodwork also saved Porto when Kiwior clumsily reacted to a set-piece cross in the 63rd minute and nearly scored an own goal past Diogo Costa.

The Porto captain had luck on his side there but later showed his quality with a fine save from Sudakov’s free kick just before halftime—the only real shot on goal from Mourinho’s team all evening.

On the other end, Pepe missed two chances in the first half to crown his 200th appearance for Porto with a goal. Francisco Moura and Raphael Veiga also threatened, but Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was up to the task, standing firm whenever needed and ensuring Porto felt post-match frustration for the first time this season.

Benfica managed to stay in the title race and keep things wide open, preventing Porto from capitalizing on Sporting’s slip-up. And Mourinho—after some unconvincing performances since replacing Bruno Lage—finally gained a bit of breathing room and a more positive mood heading into the international break.

Still, some will point out that Benfica won both derbies against Porto last season by 4–1. Last night, they managed only four total shots on target. But then again, this is how Jose Mourinho has always won trophies—not with beauty, but with effectiveness.