Chelsea Secures Narrow Champions League Victory Over Benfica
Jose Mourinho's latest return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment as Chelsea clinched a narrow Champions League victory over his new club, Benfica, following an own goal from Richard Rios in the first half.
The affection Chelsea fans hold for Mourinho was evident as they serenaded him both before and during the match. Mourinho, who took over from former Wolves manager Bruno Lage just 12 days ago, acknowledged the crowd by waving to both ends of the stadium. However, he likely would have preferred that Benfica not gift Chelsea a goal, as Colombian midfielder Rios inadvertently turned the ball into his own net when Alejandro Garnacho's cross from the far post found its way into the six-yard area, leaving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin with no chance to save it.
Frustration also mounted for Chelsea as substitute Joao Pedro was sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card. This marked Chelsea's third red card in four matches, though this dismissal occurred too late to impact the game's outcome, unlike previous matches against Manchester United and Brighton.
Despite dominating possession and outshooting their opponents, Chelsea struggled to seriously threaten the Benfica goal, with Garnacho squandering a few chances in his second start for the club. Teenage substitute Estevao Willian managed to force Trubin into a decent save late in the match with a header.
This victory marked Chelsea's first in the Champions League since March 2023, providing a much-needed boost after a disappointing month where their only win had come in the EFL Cup against League One side Lincoln. The result offers Enzo Maresca some breathing room ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Chelsea Analysis: Fernandez Leads Against Former Club
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez faced a barrage of objects thrown from the away end while attempting to take a corner, but ultimately had the last laugh against his former side. The 24-year-old Argentine captained his team to victory in the first Champions League match at Stamford Bridge in two and a half years.
Fernandez played a pivotal role, having helped create the opportunity that led to Rios's own goal in the 18th minute. His increased goal-scoring instinct, reminiscent of Frank Lampard's late runs into the box, has seen him score three goals this season. In fact, Fernandez has been involved in 16 goals over his last 27 appearances for Chelsea (seven goals and nine assists), trailing only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in terms of goal contributions among Premier League players.
This impact in the final third has been crucial, especially as star attacker Cole Palmer has struggled with form and a persistent groin injury. Fernandez has shown resilience, starting all nine of Chelsea's matches in all competitions this season, demonstrating the leadership and tenacity that Maresca needs from his key players. Notably, he was the most fouled player and engaged in the most duels during the match.
Although Benfica fans may harbor resentment towards him after his departure for a then-British transfer record of £107 million in 2023—just six months after joining from River Plate—Fernandez is gradually winning over the Chelsea supporters, who chanted his name in this much-needed victory.
Benfica Analysis: A Familiar Feeling for Jose Mourinho
For Mourinho, failing to secure a win at Stamford Bridge is a familiar experience. Although he enjoyed victory on his first return with Inter Milan in 2010, he has since faced seven away matches against Chelsea, a club he led to three league titles during two separate tenures.
Had Fredrik Aursnes converted Benfica's best chance early in the second half, the VAR decision regarding an offside call would have been intriguing, as replays suggested it was a close call. However, while the visitors were organized and compact, apart from the own goal and a few lapses in control from Trubin that nearly led to another goal, they failed to pose a significant threat, which clearly frustrated Mourinho.
In the second half, he attempted to play peacemaker as Fernandez faced hostility from the crowd, urging the visiting fans to cease throwing objects. Beyond that, the match was largely forgettable for the Benfica manager.