LISBON: Jose Mourinho enjoyed a happy return to his native city of Lisbon on Tuesday as Chelsea defeated Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in Champions League Group G action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The victory takes Chelsea top of the group on four points after Schalke 04 and MK Maribor drew 1-1 in Germany to leave them on two points apiece and Sporting bottom with one point.
The defeat for Sporting ended their 16 match unbeaten record at home in European competition.
The 51-year-old Mourinho endured a frustrating evening as his side dominated proceedings but wasted a hatful of chances before hanging on against a resurgent second half Sporting side who came close on several occasions to salvaging a point.
“Three points is three points. We lost two at home and now we have picked up three away from home,” said Mourinho.
“Chelsea are a young team who sometimes show a lack of efficiency in front of goal. Sporting lost but they have arguments that they can qualify.
“We didn’t kill the game off but we played very well, very compact and we had complete dominance in defence. Now it is time to rest and then we will think about Arsenal,” added Mourinho in reference to Sunday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea got the breakthrough their first half dominance deserved, and the only goal of the match from a set-piece on 34 minutes.
A far post cross from the left flank by Eden Hazard was met by a Serbia’s Nemanja Matic and his looping header drifted over the head of Sporting captain Rui Patricio and into the back of the net.
Chelsea captain John Terry who turned in a solid performance in the centre of defence and was making his 100th Champions League appearance said his side should have wrapped it up sooner.
“They’re a very good side and played well but we had so many chances to kill it off but luckily Matic got the goal and we got the win,” Terry told Sky TV. AFP