Chelsea Edge Benfica As Mourinho Returns

A lively Stamford Bridge crowd welcomed Mourinho back, but it was Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea who took the crucial three points. The only goal of the evening came in the 18th minute when Pedro Neto whipped in a dangerous cross, which debutant Alejandro Garnacho volleyed across the six-yard box. The ball was deflected off Benfica’s Richard Rios and into the net for an own goal, leaving goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin with no chance.

Chelsea survived an early scare when Dodi Lukebakio rattled the post for Benfica inside the opening ten minutes, but goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and his backline stood firm throughout. Enzo Fernández and Neto offered attacking threats for Chelsea, while Neto nearly doubled the lead with a fierce shot shortly before assisting the decisive play.

After the break, both teams struggled to break through defensively, with Maresca making attacking substitutions including Estevão Willian and Joao Pedro to kill the game. Estevão forced a fine save from Benfica’s Trubin with a close-range header, but Chelsea could not find a second goal.

As the clock wound down, Chelsea appeared set for a routine finish until drama struck in stoppage time—Joao Pedro received a second yellow card for a high boot, reducing Chelsea to ten men for the final moments. Nevertheless, the Blues held on to secure victory and notch their first points in the group.

Mourinho’s Return Falls Flat

The match was marked by Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, where he is still held in high regard. The crowd gave the former Chelsea boss a warm reception, but his Benfica side left disappointed, still seeking their first points of the campaign after two group defeats.

What’s Next

Chelsea now look ahead to a tough Premier League clash against league leaders Liverpool on Saturday, hoping to build momentum from this European win. Their Champions League campaign continues later in October with a vital home game against Ajax.

Final Score: Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
Goals: Richard Ríos (OG) 18’
Red Card: Joao Pedro (Chelsea) 90+6’

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