Mourinho's Cautious Return to Stamford Bridge Ends in Defeat

There was no warm welcome or fairytale script for José Mourinho on his return to Stamford Bridge — only a cold, calculated 1–0 defeat, delivered by a Chelsea side that never needed to leave second gear.

Back at the ground where he made history, the Portuguese manager stood on the touchline as a guest this time — but the hosts had no interest in sentimentality. And rightly so.

Benfica started with promise, carving out a couple of early chances. Ríos wasted the most notable one, misfiring from a promising position. Moments later, his name was on the scoresheet — but for all the wrong reasons. Trying to intercept a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho, the midfielder inadvertently turned the ball past his own keeper. A cruel deflection, but a deserved lead for Chelsea.

Anatoliy Trubin had no chance on the goal but did make several solid saves to keep his side in contention. That said, he also nearly gifted Chelsea a second, miscontrolling a backpass that almost rolled over the line.

Benfica's Timid Approach Falls Flat

Chelsea dictated the rhythm, controlled possession, and rarely looked threatened. While not dazzling, Enzo Maresca’s side did enough to contain a Benfica team that seemed paralyzed by its own conservatism.

Mourinho, known for his pragmatic style, showed no signs of tactical evolution. Even as the second half unfolded, Benfica’s cautious play persisted. They became marginally more adventurous, but lacked a creative spark — the type of player who could unlock a disciplined Chelsea backline.

The Blues, meanwhile, kept probing. Trubin was called into action several times, while his opposite number was largely untroubled throughout the evening.

Late Push, But No Firepower

A flurry of substitutions in the closing stages — including the introduction of Heorhiy Sudakov, who showed glimpses of quality with a couple of clever passes — failed to alter the tone of the match. Benfica finally attempted a late surge, with captain Nicolás Otamendi urging his teammates forward, but Chelsea's organisation held firm.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Chelsea - Benfica 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Ríos, 18 (own goal) (1:0)

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Gusto (James R., 81); Badiashile B. (Acheampong J. K., 81); Chalobah; Cucurella; Fernandez E.; Caicedo M.; George (João Pedro, 61); Garnacho (Bynoe-Gittens, 61); Buonanotte (Estêvão, 54); Pedro Neto
Substitution: Estêvão (from 54); Bynoe-Gittens (from 61); João Pedro (from 61 till 96); Acheampong J. K. (from 81); James R. (from 81)
Bench: Jörgensen F.; Merrick; Hato; Lavia; Walsh R.; Guiu Marc
Yellow Cards: Fernandez E. 45; Buonanotte 46; João Pedro 62, 96; Pedro Neto 88
Red cards: João Pedro 96'

Benfica: Trubin; Dedic A.; Silva A. (Araújo T., 72); Dahl; Otamendi; Ríos (Barreiro L., 77); Barrenechea; Aursnes (Araujo P., 90); Sudakov (Ivanović Fr., 77); Pavlidis E.; Lukebakio (Schjelderup, 77)
Substitution: Araújo T. (from 72); Barreiro L. (from 77); Schjelderup (from 77); Ivanović Fr. (from 77); Araujo P. (from 90)
Bench: Soares S.; Oliveira; Obrador; Prioste; Veloso J.; Rego Joao
Yellow Cards: Barrenechea 33; Ríos 49; Aursnes 63; Otamendi 83