Top 10 Mourinho Master Classes
Jose Mourinho has often had something of a divisive personality and he has attracted plenty of detractors over the years. What cannot be questioned, though, is the Portuguese’s ability to get results in big games; here FREEbets.org.uk looks at 10 of Mourinho’s Master Classes in some of his biggest games.
10. Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea 2017 Premier League
Since taking over at Old Trafford, Mourinho had yet to produce a defining performance in a big game. However when his former side and runaway league leaders Chelsea came to town, he put that right. An early goal from Marcus Rashford set the tone and United did a fine containing job on the Blues whilst Ander Herrera later doubled their advantage to claim a huge victory.
9. Liverpool 1-4 Chelsea 2005 Premier League
Jose showed that he can produce goals in the big games away from home when his side romped to victory at Anfield against the European champions. Goals from Frank Lampard, Damian Duff, Joe Cole and Geremi left Rafa Benitez and his charges reeling as Chelsea went on to win the league.
8. Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid 2011 Copa Del Rey Final
This was a classic Mourinho performance in terms of aggression, physicality and to an extent cynicism, but it paid off. Five yellow cards and a red to Angel Di Maria may have been dished out but all that mattered was Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in extra-time to clinch the trophy for his side.
7. Chelsea 1- 0 Manchester United 2007 FA Cup Final
This was about as level a game as you are likely to see but Mourinho is famed for pipping these contests when his side have not been on top. One of his greatest players, Didier Drogba, scored the winner in extra-time to add another trophy to Jose’s bulging cabinet.
6. Chelsea 2-0 PSG 2014 Champions League Quarter-Finals
This was another example of Mourinho’s expert management of a two-legged tie. He certainly did not mean to lost the first leg 3-1 in Paris but the second leg could not have been more different as Chelsea were in full control and, although it took a late clincher, brushed the Frenchmen aside.
5. Porto v Deportivo La Coruna 2004 Champions League Semi-Finals
Deportivo were a force to be reckoned with in 2004 as they showed by knocking out Juventus and AC Milan en route to the last four. However, they could not find a way past Porto as Mourinho’s unbelievably tight defence helped his side to a 0-0 draw at home and a 1-0 victory in Spain.
4. Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea 2014 Premier League
City were on fire at the start of 2014 and came into this game having won eight league games in a row, most recently a 5-1 thrashing of Spurs. The Blues had not been as convincing having just been held at home by West Ham. However, as always, they turned up when it mattered and a faultless performance saw them claim a narrow victory at the Etihad.
3. Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid 2012 La Liga
Mourinho’s one title in Spain came in 2012 and this match went a long way to sealing it. It is a rare occasion that Real win at the Nou Camp in La Liga but the men in white stifled the Catalans and goals from Sami Khedira and Cristiano Ronaldo secured one of the biggest victories of Jose’s career.
2. Porto v Manchester United 2004 Champions League Last 16
Another two-leg masterpiece as the underdogs downed the powerhouse of United to reach the last eight of the Champions League. Victory at home followed by a last minute equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and Mourinho had out-thought Sir Alex Ferguson. The United team featuring Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and a young Ronaldo on the bench could just not break down the Portuguese champions. At the final whistle after the second leg Mourinho ran down the Old Trafford touch line and announced himself to the world.
1. Inter v Barcelona 2010 Semi-Finals
These were two great performances, home and away, but for vastly different reasons. The 3-1 victory over Barca at home was superb for its ruthlessness in attack whilst the defensive resolve shown at the Nou Camp was immense. The display in Catalonia was all the more impressive as Inter were down to 10 men for much of the game after some blatant cheating from Sergio Busquets had Thiago Motta sent off. Ousting Barca in their pomp deserves to be Mourinho’s greatest Master Class.