Chelsea are one of the most decorated clubs in UEFA competition, having won every major honour available, a feat no other team in Europe can claim. Yet their quest to win a third Champions League title began badly against Bayern Munich, the team that denied them in the 2012 final.
Bayern once again proved too strong, claiming a 3-1 victory in matchweek one. Cole Palmer’s well-taken strike briefly gave Chelsea hope, but a Harry Kane double and an own goal from Trevoh Chalobah sealed the result.
Chalobah endured another difficult moment at the weekend in the Premier League. His early red card in the second half opened the door for Brighton, who stormed back to win 3-1 thanks to an inspired performance from Danny Welbeck.
Enzo Maresca’s side have now lost three of their last four matches and managed just one win in their last five, that coming against lower-league Lincoln City in the EFL Cup. Injuries have also begun to take their toll, raising questions over whether the squad is paying the price for a demanding pre-season in the United States.
The Champions League has not been kind to Chelsea of late either. They are currently on their worst run in the competition, having lost three consecutive games. Even so, there is some comfort for supporters in the fact that the Blues have not lost a group-stage home match in the Champions League since 2019.
The same cannot be said for Benfica, whose opening Champions League game ended in disaster. Under then-head coach Bruno Lage, the Eagles surrendered a 2-0 lead at home to Qarabag and suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat. The collapse proved to be the final straw for the board, who dismissed Lage and turned to a familiar face.
Jose Mourinho’s managerial career at the top level began at the Estadio da Luz 25 years ago, where he took charge of just 10 matches in 2000. Now the two-time Champions League winner has returned, and his impact is already being felt. Benfica are unbeaten in the league since his appointment, with two wins and a draw, including a 2-1 comeback victory over Gil Vicente on Saturday.
History, however, is not on their side as they prepare to face Chelsea. Benfica have failed to win any of their last seven matches against English opposition in UEFA competition and have lost each of their previous three encounters with Chelsea, including the 2013 Europa League final.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea can at least take some comfort in knowing that Trevoh Chalobah’s red card at the weekend will not affect his availability in the Champions League. Facundo Buonanotte is also back in contention after missing Saturday’s game against his parent club.Beyond that, the news is far less encouraging. Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are all out with thigh or knee injuries. Tosin Adarabioyo is nursing a calf issue, Wesley Fofana continues his recovery from a head injury, and Mykhaylo Mudryk is still serving his doping suspension.
Enzo Maresca also revealed in his pre-match press conference that Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos would all need to be assessed after recent knocks. If Joao Pedro is not passed fit, teenager Tyrique George may be asked to lead the line.
Benfica are not at full strength either. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are both recovering from serious knee injuries, while winger Bruma faces a lengthy absence with a ruptured Achilles that could keep him sidelined until 2026. In addition, 19-year-old Gianluca Prestianni is unavailable as he is on international duty with Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Portuguese side can still rely on Vangelis Pavlidis, who has made a strong start to the season. The 26-year-old striker scored both goals in the win over Gil Vicente at the weekend and has already registered seven goals across all competitions this term. Midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, suspended for that match, is also back and available for selection.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho; George
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, A. Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Benfica
Chelsea looked to be in control against Brighton before indiscipline and, to some degree, Enzo Maresca’s cautious substitutions turned the tide for the second Premier League match in succession.
If the Blues can avoid another red card and keep a full team on the pitch, they should have enough attacking strength to overcome a Benfica side that is still adjusting to Jose Mourinho’s methods. The Portuguese manager’s return to Stamford Bridge may ultimately end in defeat.
