Jose Mourinho is on the verge of returning to management, with Benfica holding advanced talks to appoint him as their new head coach following the sacking of Bruno Lage.

The decision came in the aftermath of a humiliating 3-2 Champions League defeat at home to Qarabag FK, where the Portuguese giants squandered a two-goal lead.

Benfica’s collapse proved decisive. Leandro Andrade halved the deficit in the 30th minute, before Camilo Duran struck shortly after the restart to level the tie.

The final blow came from Oleksiy Kashchuk, whose goal sealed a famous victory for the Azerbaijani champions, to the surprise of fans across Lisbon.

Lage, in his second spell at Benfica, was dismissed immediately after the loss, having lasted just over a year in charge.

Benfica turn to Mourinho

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho has already been approached by Benfica and is open to the proposal.

Talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with the club eager to have the veteran tactician in place for their upcoming Liga Portugal clash against AVS.

The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United boss has been out of management for only a few weeks, after parting ways with Fenerbahce.

Known for his pragmatic style and knack for winning trophies, Mourinho is seen by Benfica’s hierarchy as the “winning coach” needed to steady the ship after a turbulent start to their European campaign.

Rui Costa confirms immediate change

Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s departure in a late-night press conference. Asked directly about Mourinho, he avoided naming him but hinted strongly at the profile being targeted.

“The profile of the next coach will have to be a winning coach,” Costa declared.

For Mourinho, the move would represent a homecoming. He briefly managed Benfica in 2000 before walking away amid boardroom conflict, but now appears poised to return to the Estádio da Luz with unfinished business.