The highly anticipated return of José Mourinho to the helm of Sport Lisboa e Benfica has officially commenced with a resounding 3-0 victory over AVS in the 6th matchday of the Primeira Liga 2025/26 season. The Eagles, under their iconic new-old manager, delivered a performance that combined efficiency with moments of genuine attacking flair, securing a crucial three points on the road.
For weeks, the Portuguese football landscape buzzed with speculation and excitement. “The Special One” was back, not just in Portugal, but at the club where his senior coaching journey truly began. The encounter against AVS, while perhaps not the most glamorous fixture on paper, represented a significant first step, a litmus test for the immediate impact of Mourinho`s tactical philosophy on a squad brimming with talent.
First Half: Sudakov Sets the Tone
The match began with Benfica asserting their authority, dictating the tempo and pressing AVS high up the pitch. It wasn`t the free-flowing, unrestrained attacking football some purists might yearn for, but it was a disciplined and purposeful approach, characteristic of Mourinho`s teams. AVS, to their credit, showed glimpses of resilience, attempting to stifle Benfica`s creative midfielders and maintain a compact defensive shape.
However, the deadlock was broken in the first half by none other than **Sudakov**. The Ukrainian midfielder, known for his incisive runs and keen eye for goal, capitalized on an opportunity, demonstrating the clinical edge Benfica will need throughout the season. The goal served as a tranquilizer, calming any initial jitters and allowing the team to settle further into their rhythm.
Second Half: Penalties, Precision, and Pragmatism
The second half saw Benfica continue their controlled aggression, looking to extend their lead and put the game beyond doubt. Mourinho`s teams are often lauded for their ability to manage a lead, and this match was no exception. While AVS pushed for an equalizer, their efforts were met by a robust Benfica defense, marshaled effectively by experienced figures.
The decisive second goal arrived from the penalty spot, converted expertly by **Pavlidis**. Penalties, in the grand scheme of football, are often viewed as routine, but they demand composure under pressure. Pavlidis delivered precisely that, doubling Benfica`s advantage and significantly dimming AVS`s hopes of a comeback.
As the game entered its latter stages, the fresh legs introduced from the bench continued to make an impact. It was one such substitution, **Ivanovic**, who put the final nail in the coffin, scoring Benfica`s third goal. This late strike not only cemented the victory but also highlighted the depth of the squad and Mourinho`s willingness to utilize his full complement of players.
Mourinho`s Blueprint: Efficiency over Extravagance
What can be gleaned from this opening performance under Mourinho? It was, in many respects, a classic Mourinho display: organized, disciplined, and brutally efficient. While some might have hoped for a carnival of goals, the 3-0 scoreline was a testament to his pragmatic approach. Benfica controlled possession when necessary, exploited weaknesses when they appeared, and crucially, converted their chances.
“The return of José Mourinho wasn`t just about nostalgia; it was about re-establishing a winning mentality. This 3-0 victory against AVS, while not a spectacular fireworks display, was a clear statement of intent: clinical, composed, and undeniably effective. The Special One, it seems, still knows how to get the job done.”
The tactical setup seemed designed to minimize risk while maximizing the output of key offensive players. Sudakov`s early goal showcased his attacking prowess, Pavlidis`s penalty demonstrated cool nerves, and Ivanovic`s late contribution underlined the squad`s collective strength.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Start for the Eagles
This comfortable victory places Benfica firmly in the early contention for the Primeira Liga title. While the season is long, and challenges will undoubtedly arise, a confident start under a new-old manager is invaluable. For AVS, it was a tough outing against a title contender, but they showed moments of fight that they can build upon in future matches.
The football world will be watching with keen interest to see how José Mourinho shapes this Benfica side. If this initial performance is any indication, we can expect a team that is robust, strategically astute, and, above all, very difficult to beat. The path to silverware is never simple, but under Mourinho, Benfica has certainly begun this season`s journey on the right foot, proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
