Chelsea 1-0 Benfica - José Mourinho’s side fall to another defeat in the Champions League | OneFootball

Chelsea beat Benfica 1-0 in an entertaining Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The winning goal came in the 18th minute when Pedro Neto’s deep cross picked out Alejandro Garnacho at the back post, his cross turned into his own net by Richard Ríos.

Clearcut chances were hard to come by for the remainder of the contest, José Mourinho’s return to his former club ending in defeat.

Matthew Marshall reports from Stamford Bridge.

Benfica midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov shields the ball from Malo Gusto. (Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nervy start

The atmosphere was electric at Stamford Bridge with the Benfica fans bringing it and Chelsea supporters chanting José Mourinho’s name.

A loose pass from António Silva resulted in a chance for Enzo Fernández that he fired wide. Marc Cucurella was next to feel the pressure, his wayward pass ending in Robert Sánchez turning Dodi Lukebakio’s effort off the post.

Richard Ríos couldn’t generate enough power to trouble Sánchez as the momentum turned in favour of the Blues. Pedro Neto cut inside and went close but would soon instigate the opening goal in the 18th minute.

Benfica’s Dodi Lukebakio hit the post with this shot early on at Stamford Bridge. (Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Defensive lapse proves costly

He sent a deep cross towards the back post where Amar Dedić had left Alejandro Garnacho free once again, Garnacho’s cross turned into his own net by Ríos.

Lukebakio set up a half chance for Vangelis Pavlidis but Chelsea began to boss the game, Tyrique George testing Anatoliy Trubin before the break.

Fredrik Aursnes got into some dangerous positions after the restart but was caught offside on both occasions. Enzo Maresca brought on Estêvão for Facundo Buonanotte before replacing Garnacho and George with Jamie Gittens and João Pedro.

Mourinho turns to the bench

António Silva picked up an injury and was replaced by Tomás Araújo, Mourinho then making a triple switch in the 77th minute when Leandro Barreiro, Andreas Schjelderup and Franjo Ivanović came on for Ríos, Georgiy Sudakov and Dodi Lukébakio.

Estêvão’s header was saved by Trubin before Benfica made a late run, Ivanović firing wide and Samuel Dahl heading Enzo Barrenechea’s corner over the bar. There would be no equaliser however, João Pedro sent off deep into added time as the Blues closed it out.

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Benfica captain Nicolas Otamendi played out a fierce tussle, the Brazilian ending up sent off. (Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Benfica playing catch up

José Mourinho returned to Benfica knowing he had a challenge on his hands, but the task at hand could be far more difficult than anticipated. In his defence, he has had little time to implement his ideas, his opening four games in charge coming in the space of 10 days.

Samuel Dahl and Amar Dedić are not getting it done from the full-back positions and there is little creativity coming from midfield. Georgiy Sudakov and Dodi Lukébakio are trying hard behind Vangelis Pavlidis, but overall his squad appears weak and lacking in depth.

It’s conceivable that Benfica will suffer a defeat in Porto on Sunday which would leave them seven points behind the Dragons after eight games played in the Primeira Liga. Francesco Farioli’s side are flying and way ahead in every department.

The Eagles are playing catch up in the Champions League where they are yet to gain a point. With trips to Newcastle, Ajax and Juventus to come alongside home games against Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Real Madrid, it would take a brave man to bet on Benfica reaching the knockout rounds.