Mourinho's Benfica Set to Test Chelsea's Resolve

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho 

Benfica in the Champions League. Will Mourinho's experience prove too much for the Blues, or can they restore calm with a win?

Maresca faces mounting pressure ahead of the high-stakes match, with Chelsea's defensive frailties...

Jose Mourinho is set to return to Stamford Bridge with Benfica, bringing a mix of nostalgia and divided emotions among Chelsea fans. The 62-year-old, known for his successful stint with Chelsea, where he won three Premier League titles, is now at the helm of Benfica. Mourinho has expressed his happiness about being back, saying, “If the fans are great to me, then great. If they are not, that's fine and no problem, but I am happy to be back.” Benfica recently secured a 2-1 win over Gil Vicente, showcasing their growing momentum under Mourinho's leadership.

Champions League 🔛 #CFCSLB | #UCL pic.twitter.com/QzhDDLhard

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 29, 2025

Mourinho's return to Chelsea has sparked buzz, with ticket prices soaring despite Benfica not being the most illustrious opposition. Chelsea fans are eagerly anticipating the match, while the Chelsea Supporters Trust has urged the club to “stop exploiting our loyalty.” Mourinho, known for his strong personality and touchline antics, will likely receive a warm welcome, at least initially. The reception may depend on the game's outcome, as both teams aim to get off the mark in the Champions League after losing their opening matches.

Mourinho's Past and Present at Chelsea

Previous Success: Mourinho won three Premier League titles with Chelsea

Current Mission: Bringing European glory to Benfica

Chelsea's Current State: Struggling with inconsistent performances, last winning against Lincoln City in the League Cup

Mourinho's Comments: Praised Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's current coach, while criticizing the “crazy investment” and lack of direction under the new ownership

Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge for Tuesday's Champions League match against Chelsea coincides with a tumultuous period for the Blues under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea's recent form has been underwhelming, with only one win in their last five games - a hard-fought 1-0 victory over League One side Lincoln City. The team has suffered bruising defeats to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Brighton, sparking concerns about Maresca's leadership.

Maresca faces mounting pressure ahead of the high-stakes match, with Chelsea's defensive frailties and injury woes adding to his woes. The Italian coach has requested reinforcements in goal and central defense, but the club's struggles in these areas have been costly. Despite Chelsea's recent setbacks, Maresca remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's progress and good atmosphere within the squad.

Mourinho's Benfica side, meanwhile, has made a strong start under his leadership, with two wins and a draw from their opening five matches. The Portuguese manager's return to Stamford Bridge is set to add an extra layer of intrigue to the match, with Mourinho relishing the opportunity to prove himself against his former club. Maresca, however, is unfazed, highlighting his own achievements at Chelsea, including the Club World Cup and Conference League titles, and expressing his eagerness to face the legendary Portuguese manager.

The Brighton defeat amplified concerns about Enzo Maresca's position at Chelsea, sparking rumors of an emergency meeting between key stakeholders, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali and top executives. However, according to reports, Maresca retains the full backing of the Chelsea board and sporting directors, who are committed to evaluating his performance at the end of the season.

Despite the board's confidence, sources indicate Maresca might not be entirely satisfied with the current situation. The team's struggles, including a 3-1 loss to Brighton, have put pressure on the Italian manager. Chelsea's recent defeats to Manchester United and Brighton, both resulting in 10-man teams due to red cards, have contributed to the scrutiny surrounding Maresca.

Chelsea's priority this season is to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and achieve a deep cup run. With crucial matches against Benfica and Liverpool upcoming, Maresca will aim to turn things around and alleviate the pressure. The Chelsea hierarchy has emphasized that there's no panic, drawing parallels to the team's recovery from a similar slump last season.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, has been vocal about strengthening the squad, particularly in goalkeeping and central defense, since the summer. Unfortunately, those exact positions have been exposed in recent matches, with Robert Sánchez and Trevoh Chalobah both receiving red cards in crucial losses. The team's struggles have highlighted these weaknesses, leaving Maresca frustrated, as his concerns about signings are well-known to the club's top officials.

Challenges for Chelsea:

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez's red card has spotlighted the need for a reliable goalkeeper.

Central Defense: Trevoh Chalobah's suspension has exposed vulnerabilities in the team's defense.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge with Benfica adds an extra layer of complexity to the match. Mourinho, known for his strong personality and tactical acumen, will likely aim to exploit Chelsea's weaknesses and prove himself once again. The stakes are high, with Chelsea seeking to bounce back from recent setbacks and Mourinho looking to make a statement.

Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager for a second stint (August 2013) 📸💙 pic.twitter.com/4hgx6Jt7Z3

— Chelsea Photos (@ChelseaInPhotos) September 28, 2025

Jose Mourinho, known for defying odds throughout his career, would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to prove his enduring prowess by deepening Chelsea's current troubles. A Benfica win at Stamford Bridge would not only be a significant upset but also intensify scrutiny on Chelsea's ongoing rebuild, coming at a crucial juncture. For Chelsea, this match is about restoring calm and silencing growing doubts about their progress.

High Stakes for Chelsea:

Restore Confidence: Chelsea needs to bounce back from recent setbacks and demonstrate their strength.

Prove Progress: A win would show that the team's rebuild is on track, despite current challenges.

Mourinho's Test: The match against Benfica under Mourinho will be a true test of Chelsea's resolve and resilience.

Champions League qualification for next season remains a non-negotiable target - but the hierarchy wants stability around the dugout to ensure they get there. And in the meantime, they also need to compete in this year’s version of the Champions League.

The message from inside their Cobham training base is that Maresca will be backed - with January expected to bring serious movement for a new goalkeeper and a high-level central defende

Losing to Jose Mourinho, a manager once idolized by Chelsea fans, would be particularly painful for the club. The optics of such a defeat would be unfavorable, especially given the current scrutiny surrounding Enzo Maresca's leadership. While there are no immediate discussions about managerial changes, Maresca is under pressure to demonstrate progress and build momentum in the project.

Key Challenges for Maresca:

Prove Himself: Maresca needs to show tangible signs of improvement and growth.

Restore Confidence: The team must bounce back from recent setbacks and show resilience.

Build Momentum: A strong performance against Benfica would help Maresca gain the confidence of the fans and the board.

Mourinho, known for proving doubters wrong, presents a significant challenge for Maresca and Chelsea. A loss would not only be a setback but also amplify the questions surrounding the team's rebuild and Maresca's leadership. The stakes are high, and Chelsea must rise to the occasion [2].