Mourinho Returns to Benfica as Team Faces AVS in Critical Match

Vila das Aves, Portugal — SL Benfica aims to revive its season on Saturday when they travel to face AVS Futebol SAD in the Primeira Liga at the Estádio do CD das Aves. This match comes just days after the dismissal of Bruno Lage, necessitating a turnaround under newly appointed manager José Mourinho.

Since taking over, Mourinho’s objective is clear: to bring trophies back to Benfica, a club that last won the league title in 2023. Known for his competitive spirit and motivational skills, Mourinho returns to the club where his managerial career began 25 years ago. “Coaching Benfica is returning to my level, given that my level is to coach the biggest clubs in the world,” he said.

Mourinho’s first challenge will be against AVS, who are struggling after parting ways with their own manager following a dismal start to the season. The club sits at the bottom of the standings and has yet to find solid footing, having earned just one point from five matches.

AVS’s new management, led by Fábio Espinho and Armando Roriz, hopes to reverse the team’s fortunes. They enhanced their squad over the summer, bringing in experienced players like Rafael Barbosa and Tomané to uplift the squad’s performance.

Despite a shaky start, including a series of defeats and recent management changes, AVS’s attack has shown potential with goals from players like Rafael Barbosa and Brazil’s Nenê. AVS must improve defensively, having conceded 11 goals in their first five matches.

Benfica currently finds themselves sixth in the league standings, trailing league leaders FC Porto by five points. The team boasts a potent attack, having scored seven goals over their first four league games. Vangelis Pavlidis leads the team with four goals.

Mourinho knows that failure to secure three points against a struggling AVS side will be viewed as a disappointment. Following this match, Benfica faces a tough fixture list that includes games against Rio Ave and FC Porto.

Mourinho remains determined despite mixed results in his previous managerial stints. The eyes of fans will be on him as he seeks to revitalize Benfica, one of the most successful clubs in Portuguese football history.