Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge may have ended in defeat, but the affection he continues to command at Chelsea remains untouched. The Portuguese tactician, now leading Benfica, saw his side fall 1-0 in the Champions League, yet it was his name that echoed across the stadium on multiple occasions.
Supporters in both the Matthew Harding Stand and the Shed End serenaded him throughout the night, a reminder that his legacy in West London transcends results. Mourinho, now 62, responded with a modest wave, focused on the match but visibly touched by the adoration.
“When I first came here no one was waiting for me. There were a lot of question marks,” Mourinho reflected afterward. “Now people expect me to have the magic to make things happen.”
Old friends and familiar faces
Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge return was not just about football—it was about connections. In the media room, he greeted former club employee Brian Pullman, who served Chelsea for an extraordinary 56 years. Their lighthearted exchange, featuring Mourinho’s cheeky grab of custard creams hidden under a tea towel, was met with smiles all around.
He also spent time chatting with long-serving staff members and former players. Arriving well before kickoff, Mourinho was seen in relaxed conversation with Joe Cole, draping an arm around his former midfielder as though no time had passed. He even paused to sign a young fan’s Chelsea shirt before heading to the dressing room.
“Chelsea belong to my history and I belong to theirs,” Mourinho said warmly. “I hope to come back here in 20 years with my grandkids.”
Competitive fire still burns
For all the nostalgia, Mourinho’s competitive edge hasn’t dimmed. On the touchline, he was as animated as ever—challenging refereeing decisions and urging more intensity from his players. Despite Benfica’s narrow loss, he praised their resilience against opponents with far greater financial muscle.
The night also delivered a trademark Mourinho moment. Spotting missiles thrown at Enzo Fernández—Chelsea’s £107m signing from Benfica in 2023—he dashed from the dugout to urge supporters to stop. It was a flashback to his famous sprint at Old Trafford during Porto’s Champions League triumph in 2004, though this time without the knee slide.
More than a result
Chelsea may not have dazzled, and Benfica left empty-handed, but Mourinho’s presence made the occasion special. The connection between the Portuguese coach and the Blues faithful remains unbreakable.
For Chelsea fans, Mourinho is not just a former manager—he is part of their identity. For Mourinho, Stamford Bridge is still home.
