Jose Mourinho began his second spell as Benfica manager with a commanding 3-0 victory away at AVS on Saturday.
Heorhiy Sudakov opened the scoring for the visitors just before half-time, with Vangelis Pavlidis doubling the lead from the penalty spot shortly before the hour mark. Franjo Ivanovic added a third late on to complete a dominant display.
The result lifted Benfica to second in the table, five points behind leaders Porto with a game in hand.
Mourinho, back at the Estádio da Luz 25 years after his brief first spell, celebrated Ivanovic’s goal with trademark intensity, pumping his fist and kicking over a pitchside cone.
The 62-year-old, who previously managed Porto before leaving in 2004 for Chelsea, is set to face both Porto and former club Fenerbahce in the next fortnight.
Mourinho was appointed on Thursday following the dismissal of Bruno Lage, who was sacked after a shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag. His return marks a new chapter in a career that has seen him win trophies with Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Reflecting on his comeback during his unveiling, Mourinho said he is now more “mature” and “altruistic” than during his early days in management.
