The footballing world, particularly the fervent fans in Portugal, held its breath. José Mourinho, the “Special One,” was back where it all began, taking the helm at Benfica. His debut match, a Liga Portugal fixture against AVS, concluded with a decisive 3-0 victory. While the scoreline painted a picture of dominance, the performance itself was a narrative of two distinct halves, hinting at the subtle, yet undeniable, influence of a manager renowned for his cerebral approach.
Expectations were predictably stratospheric. Mourinho`s return isn`t just a managerial appointment; it`s a homecoming for a figure etched into the fabric of Portuguese football legend. However, a legend needs time to re-acclimate, and this initial outing against AVS, while ultimately successful, underscored that even a master craftsman requires more than a mere handshake to sculpt a masterpiece. The first half was, to put it mildly, an acquired taste for anyone hoping for an immediate showcase of “Mourinho-ball.”
A Tentative Start: The Echoes of the Past
For the initial 45 minutes, it seemed Benfica was still wrestling with ghosts of seasons past. The attacking cohesion was elusive, passes often went astray, and inspiration seemed to have taken an extended lunch break. AVS, far from being overawed, presented an organized and surprisingly assertive front, employing a high press that effectively stifled Benfica`s attempts to build from the back. It was a familiar frustration for the Eagles faithful, a reminder that even under new leadership, old habits can linger.
Yet, just as murmurs of discontent might have started to brew among the supporters, a moment of individual brilliance broke the deadlock. In the dying embers of the first half, Ukraine international Georgiy Sudakov, making his mark as a left-sided central midfielder in Mourinho`s nascent tactical setup, unleashed a powerful strike. It was his inaugural goal for Benfica, a timely intervention that not only put his team ahead but also offered a glimpse of the refined talent Mourinho clearly values.
The Half-Time Whisper: Mourinho`s Subtle Touch
Whatever was said, or perhaps more accurately, how it was said in the Benfica dressing room at halftime remains a secret for now. But the transformation on the pitch was immediate and profound. The second half saw a Benfica side rejuvenated, seizing control of possession, tempo, and, crucially, the scoreline. The team accelerated their play, demonstrating a newfound urgency and clinical edge that had been conspicuously absent earlier.
The floodgates opened. In the 56th minute, Benfica was awarded a penalty after a foul on veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi. Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis stepped up and calmly converted, doubling Benfica`s lead. Not long after, Ivanovic, whose return to the starting XI was one of Mourinho`s early personnel decisions, capped a solid performance with his second goal for the club. It was a clear affirmation of the “Special One`s” knack for identifying and leveraging talent, even in the shortest of timescales.
With a comfortable 3-0 lead, Benfica dictated the remainder of the game, leaving AVS with little room to mount a serious challenge. The second half was a professional, dominant display, providing ample reason for optimism, even if the first 45 minutes served as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead.
Shining Stars and Tactical Threads
Beyond the score, individual performances and tactical shifts provided fascinating insights into Mourinho`s early vision for Benfica:
- Georgiy Sudakov: The Midfield Maestro: Undoubtedly the Man of the Match, Sudakov`s impact went beyond his debut goal. Playing a deeper, yet influential, role as a “boss” in construction, his exquisite ball control and discerning playmaking stood out. Mourinho clearly sees him as a pivotal cog in the midfield engine room.
- Vangelis Pavlidis: The Clinical Finisher: While his penalty was a testament to composure, Pavlidis`s overall contribution in the second half, including an assist for Ivanovic, highlighted his importance in the offensive scheme.
- Ivanovic: A Trusty Returnee: Recalled to the starting lineup, Ivanovic repaid Mourinho`s faith with a goal, solidifying his performance and demonstrating a keen understanding of his role within the evolving team structure.
- Enzo Barrenechea: The Anchorman: His positioning as a pure number 6 signifies Mourinho`s probable intent to build a more secure and disciplined midfield base.
AVS, despite the loss, also showcased some promising talents. Pedro Lima, stepping in for Bruno Lourenço, proved instrumental in their link-up play and defensive solidity during their strong first half. Winger Akinsola constantly threatened Benfica`s defense, though his finishing left something to be desired.
The Unpredictable Path Ahead
Post-match reactions offered a blend of satisfaction and realism. José Mourinho, ever the philosopher, mused on the complexities of the human mind, perhaps hinting at the mental adjustments required from his new squad. Sudakov expressed the “fantastic feeling” of scoring his first goal. From the AVS camp, coach Fábio Espinho subtly questioned the penalty decision while acknowledging his team`s struggles in the second half, with Pedro Lima highlighting their commendable first-half efforts.
This 3-0 victory against AVS is more than just three points; it`s the opening chapter of a highly anticipated saga. Mourinho has laid down his first tactical fingerprints, showcasing a willingness to make bold personnel calls and a capacity to inspire a turnaround when needed. Benfica still needs refinement, undoubtedly, but the early signs suggest that under the “Special One,” the Eagles are learning to fly with a renewed sense of purpose and, perhaps, a dash more strategic cunning. The journey has begun, and the football world is watching, intrigued by what this complex brain will conjure next.
