Overview

• Benfica opened José Mourinho’s tenure with a 3–0 win at AVS, with goals from Sudakov, Pavlidis and Ivanovic.
• After the match, Mourinho said he spoke with Porto’s André Villas‑Boas and Sporting’s Frederico Varandas following his appointment.
• Mourinho stressed he did not come to Benfica to “make war,” describing Porto as a vital part of his career and the rivalry as strictly sporting.
• Benfica’s schedule features trips to Chelsea in the Champions League on 30 September and to FC Porto at the Dragão on 5 October.
• His arrival has energized Benfica’s 25 October presidential election campaign after Bruno Lage’s sacking, with Rui Costa and rivals active around the team.