ENZO Fernandez was targeted by projectiles just 38 minutes into Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Benfica at Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho saving the day.
With the Blues 1-0 up, the Blues won a corner, to be taken by Fernandez in front of the Benfica fans.
ReutersEnzo Fernandez was targeted by Benfica fans.[/caption]
Mourinho was the saviour.
The incensed visitors, still left upset by the Argentine’s £105million move to Chelsea after signing a new contract and slapping his chest after scoring for Benfica in January 2023, threw things at him from the crowd.
We saw the same in the Conference League last season at Stamford Bridge, when Christopher Nkunku and others were targeted in the same corner, but never did we see the opposition manager march down the touchline.
That’s what Mourinho did. The Portuguese boss walked all the way down the touchline, out of his technical area and towards the fans, holding his hands up and pleading with them to stop – which they seemed to respond to.
Fernandez had initially started to clap the travelling fans before realising he was being jeered instead.
Mourinho was quick to try and defuse the situation, gesturing to the loud group of Benfica supporters to calm down.
It was described by viewers online as “class.” Mourinho had already heard his name being sung by the adoring SW6 faithful.
The Special One caught up with former player Joe Cole pitchside as well.
The Benfica fans had been quietened by an own goal from defender Richard Rios before the 20 minutes mark.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Their side had started brightly in West London but fell behind when Pedro Neto’s cross was diverted goalward by Alejandro Garnacho.
Rios was only able to clear into his own net to give Chelsea the lead.
Fernandez would find himself booked before half time after Chelsea fans started to sing his name.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
