Chelsea vs Benfica: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Chelsea and Benfica set for intriguing Champions League meeting

When Chelsea welcome Benfica to Stamford Bridge, the evening will be about more than three points. The Champions League group stage throws together history, tension, and no shortage of narratives. Jose Mourinho is back in West London, but in the opposite dugout, carrying the weight of Benfica’s ambitions after a turbulent start.

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European backdrop and domestic struggles

Chelsea’s return to Europe’s elite competition has not been smooth. A 3-1 defeat against Bayern Munich exposed both tactical naivety and a fragility that Enzo Maresca will be desperate to correct. Their domestic form has been just as patchy, with recent defeats to Manchester United and Brighton adding to the unease.

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For Benfica, the European journey began in disaster. Qarabag’s unlikely triumph forced the board into swift action, removing Bruno Lage and replacing him with Mourinho. He has wasted no time in reviving old rivalries, remarking that Chelsea’s financial policy has been “crazy” and suggesting the club had “lost direction”. His words were designed to unsettle and provoke, an old trick he knows well.

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Team news and selection dilemmas

Injuries are stacking up for Chelsea, particularly in defence. Cole Palmer remains out with a groin problem, depriving Maresca of his most inventive forward. Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo both missed the Brighton loss through concussion and a calf injury, while Trevoh Chalobah’s red card only deepened the crisis. Jorrel Hato was forced to adapt, deputising out of position at centre-back.

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Longer-term absentees Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill are still unavailable, though there is some relief in the return of Facundo Buonanotte, free to play again after sitting out against his parent club. In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro have both trained and are expected to be fit, offering Maresca some reassurance.

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Benfica are dealing with their own problems. Bruma, the Portuguese winger, has an Achilles injury. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are also sidelined with serious ligament damage, leaving Mourinho short of experienced options on the flanks and in defence. Even so, Benfica will arrive with intent, seeking to expose Chelsea’s weakened rearguard.

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How and where to watch Chelsea vs Benfica

Supporters in the UK will have several ways to follow the game live. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 September 2025, with kick-off at 8pm BST at Stamford Bridge.

TV coverage will be provided exclusively by TNT Sports. Build-up starts at 7pm on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, offering pre-match analysis, tactical breakdowns, and interviews. For those watching online, subscribers can live stream the game via the Discovery+ app or website, ensuring access on mobile, tablet, or smart TV.

International audiences will also have options depending on regional broadcast agreements. UEFA’s global rights distribution means viewers across Europe, Asia, and North America can tune in through their local Champions League broadcasters. Fans abroad can also access live commentary and highlights via UEFA’s official digital channels.

Prediction and head-to-head record

This fixture has history, though the balance tilts heavily towards Chelsea. Four previous meetings have all ended in victory for the Premier League side, with Benfica yet to win. On paper, Chelsea should extend that record. Even with absentees and indifferent form, their squad depth outweighs Benfica’s.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Benfica.