Nemanja Matic hands Chelsea victory on Jose Mourinho’s return to Lisbon
Serb's header ends Sporting’s proud four-year unbeaten home run in Europe as Blues seized control of group G
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.
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
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 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.