Lage sacked by Benfica after Qarabag defeat, Mourinho set for return
Benfica have parted ways with Bruno Lage after a shock defeat in their Champions League opener against Qarabag.
Benfica's club president, Rui Costa, confirmed the departure of Bruno Lage following their shock defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
Having led by two goals thanks to Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis, Benfica were beaten 3-2 by Qarabag, who picked up their first ever win in the competition.
The result meant Benfica have now failed to win their last six games at home in the Champions League for the first time in their history (D2 L4), resulting in Lage's sacking.
Lage was appointed in September 2024, marking his second stint with the club, and led Benfica to victory in the Taca da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) last season.
The 49-year-old won 26 of his 34 matches (five draws, three losses) during his most recent spell, winning 76.5% of his games and seeing his side score 86 goals in that time.
Although Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes backed Lage earlier in the week amid rumours linking Ruben Amorim to the job, Rui Costa announced the coach's departure in a post-match press conference after the Qarabag defeat.
"I want to inform all Benfica fans that we have just reached an agreement with Bruno Lage, who is no longer Benfica's coach as of today," said Rui Costa.
"I would like to thank Bruno for everything he tried to do, everything he did for Benfica, and all the commitment he showed throughout this year representing our club.
"But, unfortunately, the time has come, and we believe it was time for a change."
Following the decision, reports have emerged that Benfica have already secured Lage's replacement, with Jose Mourinho close to a sensational return to the club.
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but took charge of only 10 games and left after a dispute with the club president.
He then made his name with Porto between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies – including the Champions League in 2003-04.
Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce at the end of last month after they failed to reach the league phase of the Champions League.
When asked about the next coach, Rui Costa said: "We obviously hope that on Saturday, in Vila das Aves, we will already have the new coach on the bench."
Should Benfica appoint Mourinho, he would face former club Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.
