Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho celebrated his Stamford Bridge return with a comprehensive and incident-packed 2-0 victory over Barclays Premier League newcomers Hull.
Almost six years since leaving the Blues, the self-proclaimed Special One enjoyed a rapturous reception and a strong showing from his side on his homecoming.
It did not all go Chelsea's way as Frank Lampard saw a sixth-minute penalty saved by Allan McGregor and goal-line technology came into play when the Scotland goalkeeper saved a Branislav Ivanovic header in first-half stoppage-time, correctly ruling no goal had been scored.
Chelsea were already two goals up at that point, through Oscar and Lampard's stunning 30-yard free-kick, with the three points all but secure.
Hull put up more resistance in the second period to give reason for optimism, but at times it seemed like they were in a different league to their hosts.
For the newly promoted Tigers, it was always going to be difficult to end Mourinho's now 61-game unbeaten home record in the English top flight.
Chelsea had won 12 and drawn two of their previous 14 opening-day league games, while the Tigers' last away win in a season-opener was in 2002 at Exeter and in the fourth tier.
The Blues will have to be better against Aston Villa on Wednesday night and then at Old Trafford against defending champions Manchester United a week on Monday, where Chelsea target Wayne Rooney will be the centre of attention.
It was a day Chelsea supporters have been waiting for since Mourinho's departure in September 2007.
The intervening years have brought success, but also chaos.
Source: PA
