Jose Mourinho has been praised for his actions in his sides 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday.
During the Blues' Champions League encounter with Benfica, Mourinho stepped in to shield Enzo Fernandez from hostile away supporters who hurled objects at the midfielder.
The incident unfolded as Fernandez approached the corner flag to take a set piece near the away fans.
The Portuguese manager quickly identified the dangerous situation and left his technical area, striding along the touchline towards the agitated supporters.
Jose Mourinho's Benfica lost to Chelsea on his return to Stamford Bridge
|REUTERS
With raised hands, he appealed for calm amongst his compatriots supporting the Lisbon club.
His intervention appeared effective, as the missile-throwing ceased following his gestures.
Observers praised Mourinho's actions as exemplary behaviour, with the former Chelsea manager demonstrating protective instincts towards a player facing abuse from his former club's supporters.
The Argentine midfielder's relationship with Benfica supporters soured following his January 2023 departure for a fee of £105million.
The transfer particularly angered the Portuguese club's fanbase as Fernandez had recently extended his contract and celebrated passionately after scoring for them, including beating his chest in apparent loyalty.
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When Fernandez initially moved towards the away section to take the corner, he began applauding the travelling supporters.
However, he quickly recognised the hostile reception and jeering directed at him rather than any appreciation.
The lingering bitterness from Benfica fans over what they perceived as a betrayal manifested in their aggressive reaction nearly three years after his exit.
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Jose Mourinho was seen heading down the touchline to tell the fans to stop
|REUTERS
Chelsea secured their victory through an own goal by Benfica defender Richard Rios in the opening 20 minutes.
The Portuguese visitors had begun the match promisingly at Stamford Bridge but fell behind when Pedro Neto's delivery was redirected by Alejandro Garnacho.
Rios inadvertently turned the ball into his own net whilst attempting to clear, handing Enzo Maresca's side the advantage.
The home supporters had earlier serenaded Mourinho with chants acknowledging his three Premier League titles at the club, whilst he also reunited with former player Joe Cole beside the pitch.
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Fernandez received a yellow card before the interval, shortly after Chelsea fans began chanting his name.
The Blues maintained their slender advantage to secure three crucial points.
Following the match, Mourinho reflected on the challenges facing his team, stating: "We played four matches with two days in between.
"I never trained, I just recovered in between and one of my strengths is on the pitch, training. You don't have time for that."
The away fans were not pleased with Enzo Fernandez during the tie at Stamford Bridge
|REUTERS
He acknowledged the broader difficulties at Benfica, explaining: "When a team changes coach mid-season it's because things are not good.
"So we've had some difficulties and also a period of big pressure for the players with the election period at the club - it's almost a political campaign and the players can't escape that."
Despite the defeat, Mourinho found positives, adding: "This one is one that can be a start for them, it was a stable performance. We could've come away from here with a draw and it would've been positive."