It's Mourinho time at Benfica as club hires Jose

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Benfica has officially appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a contract running until the summer of 2027, with an optional break clause after this season.

The 62-year-old Portuguese tactician replaces Bruno Lage, who was sacked amid a disappointing run of games and an embarrassing home loss to Qarabag in Champions League play.

This marks a poetic return for Mourinho, who began his managerial journey at Benfica back in 2000, albeit briefly before departing after just ten games. 

Since leaving Benfica 25 years ago, Mourinho has carved out one of the most illustrious careers in football history. His post Benfica odyssey includes stints at Uniao de Leiria (2001–2002), FC Porto (2002–2004), Chelsea (2004–2007 and 2013–2015), Inter Milan (2008–2010), Real Madrid (2010–2013), Manchester United (2016–2018), Tottenham Hotspur (2019–2021), Roma (2021–2024), and most recently, Fenerbahce (2024–2025), from which he departed in August.

Each chapter added to his legend, transforming clubs into title contenders with his trademark defensive solidity and motivational prowess. Mourinho's trophy cabinet is the stuff of envy, boasting an astonishing 26 major honors.

Highlights include two UEFA Champions League titles (with FC Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010), three Premier League wins (all with Chelsea), two Serie A crowns (Inter Milan), one La Liga (Real Madrid), and various domestic cups like the FA Cup, Coppa Italia, and Copa del Rey. His European triumphs extend to the UEFA Cup/Europa League (FC Porto 2003, Manchester United 2017) and the inaugural Europa Conference League (Roma 2022). 

This haul cements him as one of the greatest managers ever, with a win rate often exceeding 60%. Benfica fans are buzzing with excitement about Mourinho's return and hope that he could reignite their Portuguese League dominance and European ambitions. Facing old foes like Chelsea and Real Madrid in Champions League clashes, adds spice to the appointment.

At his inaugural press conference, Mourinho declared himself "hungrier than ever." Will this homecoming deliver another chapter of glory? Football awaits with bated breath. 

Benfica sack Bruno Lage after horrific Qarabag loss

In a stunning turn of events that has rocked Portuguese football, Benfica has parted ways with manager Bruno Lage following a disastrous 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijani side Qarabag in their Champions League opener, blowing a two goal advantage.

This loss not only marked Qarabag's historic first win in the competition's main draw but also spelled the end of Bruno Lage's second stint as Benfica manager.

The match began promisingly for Benfica, who surged to a 2-0 lead early on. However, a catastrophic collapse ensued as Qarabag mounted an improbable comeback, scoring three goals to secure victory. Fans expressed their fury with boos and white handkerchiefs waving in protest, demanding Lage's head. 

The defeat highlighted defensive frailties and tactical missteps under Lage, who had returned to Benfica after spells at Wolves and Botafogo, aiming to revive the glory of his first tenure where he clinched the 2018-19 Portuguese League title.

Lage's second spell, however, was marred by inconsistency. Despite high expectations, recent form had been underwhelming and this Champions League humiliation proved the final straw. Benfica's board acted swiftly, announcing his dismissal mere hours after the final whistle.

In his post-match comments, Lage appeared baffled by the team's performance, calling it "not normal." What Lage left out was that he clearly looked like a man out of ideas, with a team that on paper should have run away with this contest.

This sacking leaves Benfica searching for a new manager amid a packed schedule, including domestic league battles and further European fixtures. Fans hope for a quick rebound from this embarrassing loss and one name that is already being heavily linked with a return to Benfica after 25 years is Jose Mourinho.

Benfica's goal drought a concern ahead of Qarabag game

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Benfica finds itself grappling with an uncharacteristic struggle to find the back of the net. Despite a solid defensive record, the Eagles have managed just 13 goals across nine competitive matches, averaging a modest 1.44 per game. 

This tally includes several low-scoring affairs that have fans and analysts alike raising eyebrows, especially with a pivotal UEFA Champions League league phase opener against Qarabag looming on September 16.

The campaign kicked off promisingly with a 1-0 Super Cup victory over rivals Sporting, thanks to a Vangelis Pavlidis goal. However, the Champions League qualifiers exposed vulnerabilities; a goalless draw away to Fenerbahce on August 20, was followed by a gritty 1-0 home win in the return leg, courtesy of a going away gift from Kerem Akturkoglu. 

Domestically, narrow 1-0 and 2-1 wins against Amadora and Alverca showed efficiency but lacked flair, while a frustrating 1-1 draw with Santa Clara on Friday after being up a man for almost 60 minutes at home has added to the frustration with the club's performances.

Greek striker Pavlidis has scored three of the thirteen markers but the attack's predictability has been evident, with defenses crowding out their creative outlets and Bruno Lage without answers on the sideline on how to break down the defensive structures.

Enter Qarabag, the Azerbaijani champions who boast a potent counter-attack. At Estadio da Luz, Benfica must rediscover its ruthless edge. A win here is essential for momentum in a revamped Champions League format. Will the Eagles soar, or will the drought deepen? Fans will hold their breath as they wait for answers.