Look what you're missing out on, Chelsea! While Jose was shocked by Basle at the Bridge, Rafa's Napoli prove they're a force to be reckoned with in Europe

After being humbled 2-1 by Basle in their Champions League opener, a limp Chelsea side had to reflect on a nightmare evening at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho, despite refusing to see it as a significant result, knows his 'little eggs' have put him under pressure. Roman Abramovich paid a rare visit to the Blues' dressing room after the game, aiming to crack down on any further failures.

And what's more, a certain ex-boss had an evening to remember. That's right, Rafa Benitez - wanted out by the Chelsea faithful from day one last season - led his new-look Napoli team to an impressive 2-1 win over last season's beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund. And that may only be the beginning for the Spanish coach.

Standing alone: Jose Mourinho and Chelsea were shocked by the 2-1 loss to Basle at Stamford Bridge

Thumbs up: But Rafa Benitez's Bapoli are going from strength to strength

There was transfer-a-plenty in Naples this summer, with almost £75million being splashed out by audacious president Aurelio De Laurentiis after a second placer finish in Serie A.

In one of the most high-profile pursuits of the summer, the Italian side beat Arsenal to the signature of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, splashing out £32.5m on the Argentinean.

And if that wasn't enough, they also signed fellow Real duo Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol for £19m combined, skillful Belgian winger Dries Mertens for £8.5m, as securing the services of experienced goalkeeper Pepe Reina on-loan from Liverpool.

Yes, a considerable outlay, but they also managed to recoup a massive £56m from the sale of Uruguyan forward Edinson Cavani, who has joined mega-rich French club Paris St Germain.

So, Benitez is backed in the transfer market, and he has started fantastically on the pitch too.

Big spenders: Napoli spent almost £75m this summer, with high profile players such as Gonzalo Higuain (left) and Pepe Reina (right) arriving

Recouped: But Edinson Cavani left for PSG in a £56m too

Take the first round of Champions League group games, for example. Chelsea were busy throwing away a one-goal lead, earned by Oscar, as Basle fought back with goals from Mohamed Salah and Marco Streller, which infuriated boss Mourinho.

Napoli though, fresh off four wins out of four so far domestically in their push for a first Scudetto since the glory days of the late 1980's, demolished an imposing Dortmund side both on and off the pitch.

An early goal from Higuain set them on their way, leading to manager Jurgen Klopp being sent off for an incredible rage at a fourth official.

Things got better for Benitez's men soon after - importantly too with the likes of Marseille and Arsenal in a tricky Group F - as 'keeper Romas Weidenfeller was sent off for handling the ball outside of the box.

Lorenzo Insigne, a man brought through the ranks in Naples and one of the stars of the European Under 21 Championship this past summer, scored a sensational free-kick to make it two. Even a Juan Camilo Zuniga own-goal with minutes remaining wasn't enough to dampen spirits.

On fire: Napoli blew Dortmund away in their 2-1 victory, with Higuain scoring the first goal

Irate: The win sent manager Jurgen Klopp into a rage

Talents: Lorenzo Insigne (right) and Marek Hamsik (left) are two of the best at the club

Factor in the likes of Marek Hamsik, an exceptionally talented Slovakian, with unbelievable statistics in the six years he has been at the club.

In Hamsik's 207 Serie A games, he has scored 65, and assisted 40., meaning he has contributed to a goal in more than half of his Italian league appearances.

Gone are the days of Diego Maradona featuring and leading them to titles, but the city - with Mafia roots - certainly has a team to be proud of this season.

But what of Benitez? The Champions League winning boss of 2005 with Liverpool, has blown hot and cold ever since, already failing in Italy once with Inter Milan.

Whirlwind: Benitez has had his ups and downs since winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005

Rafa out: But he was never really accepted at Stamford Bridge

Contrast: Meanwhile, Mourinho was welcomed back with open arms and optimism

Considering this, it was odd he was appointed by Roman Abramovich as a temporary successor to Roberto di Matteo. Fans questioned his ability as a coach - while hoping for an early Mourinho return - but more likely held a grudge over the Spaniard's comments years ago about Chelsea being a 'plastic club'.

That being said, he delivered a Europa League at the end of the season before departing, with the 'Special One', or should I say, the 'happy one' reconnecting his west London roots.

Both managers were tipped for entirely different career paths in terms of success in May, but who's the happier boss right now?
Few would argue that Jose and his chicks were clucking out of tune compared to Rafa's Napoli.