Mourinho heading to Benfica where it all began after 25-year journey

A quarter of a century after waving Jose Mourinho out of the door, Benfica look to have finally coaxed the 'Special One' back — gambling that the sorcery which lit up Porto and dazzled Europe can now be summoned in Lisbon red.

Few recall that before Porto acclaimed him, Mourinho's first managerial baptism came at Benfica back in 2000 in a tumultuous three-month stint that ended with fans chanting his name as he walked away.

Now, at 62, the prodigal son is set to return to Lisbon, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday, amidst the wreckage of a 3-2 home collapse against Azerbaijan side Qarabag, who turned a two-goal deficit into a Champions League scalp.

Ironically, Benfica knocked Mourinho's former employers Fenerbahce out of Europe barely a fortnight before the Turks bundled him out of a job.

Mourinho’s accomplishments are well known.

The Portuguese, who was born in the coastal town of Setubal, a half-hour's drive from Lisbon, is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of his generation.

He has claimed league titles in four countries and is one of six managers to lift the European Cup with two clubs as well as the only coach to win all three current UEFA club competitions.

Mourinho's brief stint after being appointed Benfica manager in 2000 was nothing short of dramatic but it was also crucial as he started building a name and legacy that has kept the club's fans dreaming of what could have been for over two decades.

Hired in September that year to replace Jupp Heynckes after a dismal start to the season, with two wins out of five games under the German, Mourinho arrived at a club in political turmoil with presidential elections looming and a broken changing room.

Working alongside assistant Carlos Mozer, a former