The highly anticipated return of José Mourinho to Portuguese club football as Benfica’s manager has officially commenced. In a fixture that promised much scrutiny, the Eagles secured a 3-0 victory against AVS in Vila das Aves, marking a solid, if not entirely flawless, start to the new era. Goals from Sudakov, Pavlidis, and Ivanovic sealed the three points, but the journey to that scoreline offered glimpses into both Benfica`s potential and the immediate challenges facing “The Special One.”
A Grinding First Half: The AVS Challenge
The opening forty-five minutes were a testament to the adage that no debut under José Mourinho is ever truly straightforward. While Benfica arrived with the expected intensity and a clear intention to dictate play, AVS, a team not often in the spotlight, proved to be an admirably organized and resilient opponent. Their compact defensive block effectively stifled Benfica`s attempts to penetrate the final third, turning much of the early play into a midfield stalemate.
An early warning shot from Ivanovic, narrowly missing the target, hinted at Benfica`s attacking ambition. However, the first major talking point arrived when a goal by Ivanovic was controversially disallowed by VAR, ruling that the ball had crossed the byline before a crucial cross. This moment, an unwelcome dose of early drama, underscored the tight margins of the game.
Adding to Benfica’s frustrations, AVS was far from passive. They managed to carve out their own opportunities, with a powerful long-range effort from Tomané striking the post, leaving Benfica`s goalkeeper Trubin with a momentary scare. It was clear that AVS was not merely content to defend but aimed to challenge. Just when it seemed the first half would conclude in a goalless deadlock, providing Mourinho with ample material for a stern halftime lecture, Sudakov broke the impasse. In the third minute of injury time, amid a scramble in the box, the Ukrainian found the net on his second attempt, offering a crucial sigh of relief for Benfica and their new manager.
The Second Half Surge: Mourinho`s Influence Takes Hold
Whatever was said in the dressing room during the interval clearly resonated. Benfica emerged for the second half with a renewed purpose and a palpable increase in intensity, precisely the kind of performance José Mourinho is renowned for instilling. The Eagles looked sharper, more direct, and significantly more effective in their offensive endeavors.
The shift was almost immediate. Barely ten minutes into the half, Benfica were awarded a penalty after Otamendi went down in the box following an aerial challenge. While some might debate the certainty of the foul, VAR upheld the referee’s decision. Pavlidis stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, doubling Benfica`s lead and providing a vital cushion.
The momentum was now firmly with the home side. Not long after, a well-orchestrated attacking move saw Pavlidis again involved, delivering a precise assist to Ivanovic. With a deceptive body feint and a moment of composure, Ivanovic struck the ball past the AVS goalkeeper, securing Benfica`s third goal and effectively putting the game beyond reach. The celebrations on the bench, undoubtedly including Mourinho, reflected the satisfaction of a job well done in the second period.
Beyond the Scoreline: Tactical Takeaways and Future Prospects
While a 3-0 victory on debut is a commendable start, Mourinho, ever the pragmatist, will certainly be dissecting the nuances of this performance. The first half highlighted a clear area for improvement: Benfica’s creativity and ability to break down a well-organized, deep-lying defense. This is a challenge that many top teams face, and it will be fascinating to observe how Mourinho addresses this tactical puzzle as the season progresses.
Conversely, the second half showcased the immediate impact of Mourinho`s managerial prowess. The increased intensity, clinical finishing, and strategic adjustments spoke volumes about his ability to motivate and steer his squad. Substitutions late in the game, bringing on fresh legs like Barreiro, Schjelderup, Tomás Araújo, Prestianni, and João Rego, indicated a desire to maintain control and further explore tactical options, even with a comfortable lead.
Benfica left Vila das Aves with three points in hand and a sense of mission accomplished. The blend of early struggles and a dominant second-half display sets a compelling narrative for the season. For José Mourinho, this debut was more than just a win; it was a clear demonstration that while “The Special One” is back, he, and his team, still have plenty of work ahead to polish what could become a formidable new chapter in Portuguese football.
