Jose Mourinho Opens Opportunities For Benfica, Napoli Alert

Richard Rios celebrated the goal that led Benfica to a 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League. (X/@SLBenfica)

JAKARTA - Coach Jose Mourinho opened up Benfica's opportunity to get a Champions League playoff ticket after beating Napoli 2-0 in the match at Estadio da Luz, Thursday, December 11, 2025 in the morning WIB. On the other hand, the defeat at home to Benfica made Napoli wary because they were threatened with failing to qualify for the knockout round.

Benfica has risen and hopes to stay in the Champions League are open. Even though he is still outside the playoffs, Benfica still maintains competition after winning two consecutive wins.

Benfica did start European competition with disappointing results. They lost four consecutive defeats in the preliminary phase which resulted in the elite Portuguese club struggling at the bottom.

But Mourinho finally gave Benfica hope. After beating Ajax Amsterdam 2-0, they continued the positive trend by rolling over Napoli.

The convincing victory over the Italian Serie A champion made Benfica move up to 25th or one strip below the playoff zone. By pocketing the sixth point, Benfica is only one point adrift with Napoli who are in position 23.

This makes Benfica still have hope to compete for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Napoli deserved to be vigilant because their chances of qualifying through the playoffs were threatened.

Moreover, I Partenopei will still face Copenhagen and in the final match, coach Antonio Conte will have a reunion with Chelsea.

The defeat disappointed Conte. According to him, his team was not in the best condition after playing a tough match in the Italian League on Sunday, local time. Scott McTominay et al's energy was drained when they beat Juventus 2-1 in the big match Serie A.

"The problem is we were not in shape when we started the match. Compared to Benfica who competed on Friday [in the Portuguese league]. Meanwhile, we just had a match on Sunday. We also have to play a game that is not easy," Conte said as quoted by Sky Sport Italia.

"In previous matches, we ran out of energy not only physically but also mentally. This makes us have difficulties. On the other hand, the opponent plays more aggressively," he said again.

Meanwhile, Mourinho assessed that Benfica deserved to win the match. Moreover, they were able to be consistent with showing good performances over the last few matches.

"The team played well over the last 3-4 weeks. The team's performance was also satisfactory against Sporting and I hope they can defend it in this match [against Napoli]," said Mourinho.

I know we are facing Napoli who are a fantastic team with the best coaches. With a three-back scheme, they always make it difficult for their opponents. But we played better and deserved to win," he said.

When asked that the condition of Benfica's players was fitter than Napoli, Conte said, Mourinho considered that he was just looking for excuses.

"Saying that Benfica is physically fit, it's just like looking for excuses," said the former Inter Milan and AS Roma coach.

In that match, Napoli had difficulties against Benfica, who played more efficiently and effectively. Even the hosts have immediately created two chances in a row in just 30 seconds.

Striker Franjo Ivanovic started Benfica's attack by throwing a hard shot at the net. Only his shot was saved by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

Furthermore, Fredrik Aursnes had the opportunity to open Benfica's victory. But his shot was still wide.

After many failures, Benfica finally managed to break the deadlock through Richard Rios in the 20th minute. Goals were created when there was chaos in front of Napoli's goal.

Then, Rios who came from behind greeted the ball which Napoli players failed to steal. With a single flick, he beat goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic.

The score is 1-0 for Benfica. After the goal, there were no more dangerous attacks from Benfica. Meanwhile, Napoli still struggled to penetrate the host's defense.

Entering the second half, Benfica took the initiative to attack. Their efforts immediately gave results when the game had only been running for four minutes. This time, Rios who provided assists and completed Leandro Barreiro to change the score to 2-0.

After trailing by two goals, Napoli tried to get up and increase the pressure. It's just that their attacks never came to fruition.

McTominay had a good chance when he met a corner. However, the header of the former Manchester United midfielder is still wide.

Furthermore, there was no Napoli attack that threatened Benfica's solid defense. The 2-0 score for Benfica lasted until the game was over.