Lisbon: Jose Mourinho enjoyed a happy return to his native city of Lisbon on Tuesday as Chelsea defeated Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in Champions League Group G action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.


Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic (C) celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match Sporting CP vs Chelsea FC at Alvalade XXI stadium in Lisbon. Pic/AFP

The victory takes Chelsea top of the group on four points after Schalke 04 and MK Maribor drew 1-1 in Germany to leave them on two points apiece and Sporting bottom with one point. The defeat for Sporting ended their 16 match unbeaten record at home in European competition.

The 51-year-old Mourinho endured a frustrating evening as his side dominated proceedings but wasted a hatful of chances before hanging on against a resurgent second half Sporting side who came close on several occasions to salvaging a point. "Three points is three points. We lost two at home and now we have picked up three away from home," said Mourinho. "Chelsea are a young team who sometimes show a lack of efficiency in front of goal.