There was no fanfare when Mourinho took his seat in the technical area before kick-off, although inevitably banks of photographers were there to welcome him.

He had a distinctly uncomfortable start as this lively Olympiakos side exposed so many of the flaws that led to Pochettino's sacking and Mourinho's arrival when Spurs were run ragged early on.

It was then that Mourinho made his impact with a positive - and necessary - substitution, introducing the creativity of Eriksen for the stability of pivot Dier to try to edge Spurs back into the contest.

This was not a cautious Mourinho but one who knew something had to change, even though only 26 minutes had gone.

Yes, Spurs and Mourinho needed a huge slice of luck, but once they emerged for the second half the mood had changed after Alli's goal, which deflated Olympiakos and revitalised the home side and their supporters.

It allowed Mourinho to join in the celebrations with the Spurs fans, and even hug that ball boy, as a night that started by threatening a serious anti-climax had the perfect conclusion.