Porto pain on Mourinho return as Blues lose in Champions League

Jose Mourinho’s Porto homecoming proved an unhappy one, as sloppy Chelsea defending cost them Champions League points in the Dragons’ den.

Andre Andre opened the scoring for the hosts only to see them pegged back by Blues attacking midfielder Willian, who netted a peach of a free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

Porto skipper Maicon proved their match winner, however, with a flicked header from a corner, and Diego Costa hit the bar shortly after Chelsea fell behind again.

The Blues’ high-profile team news saw former deadly Dragons striker Radamel Falcao left at home alongside fellow forward Loic Remy, but Eden Hazard being on the bench proved an even bigger shock. Mourinho also preferred John Obi Mikel as midfield anchor to Nemanja Matic.

A slow burning first-half saw Yacine Brahimi’s early effort easily dealt with by Asmir Begovic, while Chelsea openings for Spain duo Cesc Fabregas and Pedro Rodriguez were kept out by national teammate Iker Casillas.

Chances were few and far between until six minutes before the break when Porto took the lead through Andre. He followed up with the rebound after Brahimi’s mazy run infield from the left flank brought a fine stop from Begovic, but Blues defenders switched off to his burst from midfield.

Two fouls on tenacious Brazil international Ramires gifted Chelsea the chance to equalise right on half-time. Porto paid the price for conceding that free-kick, which in-form compatriot Willian curled superbly around the wall with Casillas rooted to the spot.