Chelsea vs Benfica Preview

• Draw or Benfica win
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Chelsea’s start to the 2025/26 campaign has quickly unravelled, and their Champions League journey is in danger of becoming a nightmare. The Blues enter this clash on the back of a poor run, winning just once in their last five matches in all competitions (D1, L3). Domestic frustrations have spilled into Europe, with red cards in consecutive Premier League defeats further exposing their discipline issues. Enzo Maresca admitted after their latest loss that his side are “giving away presents” to opponents, a damning reflection of a team struggling to maintain composure.

The situation worsened on matchday one of the UCL, when Bayern Munich left Stamford Bridge with a comfortable 3-1 win. That result means Chelsea are on a three-match losing streak in the Champions League, the longest in their history. Returning home is usually a source of comfort, with Stamford Bridge renowned as a fortress in Europe, but even that reputation has faded, and the west Londoners know another defeat would leave them staring down the barrel of an early exit.

Benfica, meanwhile, arrive with far more optimism. The Portuguese giants parted ways with Bruno Lage after their shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabağ on matchday one, a game where they squandered a two-goal lead. José Mourinho stepped in as manager and has already made his presence felt, starting his reign unbeaten (W2, D1). His return to Stamford Bridge adds a dramatic subplot: a manager who won three Premier League titles with Chelsea now plotting their downfall.

Mourinho’s Benfica are strong travellers in Europe. They’ve won five of their last seven UCL away games (L2), proving they can compete on the big stage, while Mourinho’s tactical nous in knockout football is well documented. His focus will be on avoiding the same defensive collapses that plagued Benfica earlier this season.

Historie Head-to-Head

Chelsea and Benfica are no strangers to meeting on the continental stage, though all four of their previous clashes came in knockout football. Chelsea won each of those encounters, including a 4-1 victory in the Club World Cup earlier this year. Benfica’s history against English opposition doesn’t inspire much confidence either, with seven defeats in their last nine such European meetings (W1, D1).

History, however, often counts for little when Mourinho is in the dugout. He has overseen plenty of tactical masterclasses against his former clubs, though ironically, he is winless in his last seven managerial meetings with Chelsea (D3, L4). This encounter, therefore, presents him with an ideal opportunity to finally break that unwanted streak.

Horké statistiky a série

• Chelsea have failed to score in just one of their last 18 matches across all competitions.
• Each of Chelsea’s last three Champions League defeats have come by exactly a two-goal margin.
• Benfica’s last nine matches across all competitions have produced five red cards, highlighting their ill-discipline.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 of their last 14 UCL home group/league phase matches (W8, D4).
• Benfica’s last six UCL away wins came when they scored first.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Za Chelsea, Enzo Fernández is a player to keep an eye on against his former club. The Argentine has been directly involved in four goals in his last seven appearances (G3, A1) and will relish the opportunity to face Benfica.

His influence in midfield will be crucial in dictating Chelsea’s tempo, though his disciplinary record is also a concern with two yellow cards in that same period.

Na druhé straně, Georgiy Sudakov has been in fine form for Benfica. He has opened the scoring in two of their last three matches and carries an unbeaten personal record of 17 matches when scoring (W15, D2).

Mourinho will likely build his attack around Sudakov’s creativity and ability to unlock defences.

Team news gives Benfica the slight edge. Chelsea’s defensive injuries pile up, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Cole Palmer all missing. These absences leave Maresca with fewer options at the back and less firepower going forward. Benfica, in contrast, have no new injury concerns, giving Mourinho a full squad to work with.

Předpověď

This clash carries a narrative as rich as the football itself, with Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge sure to dominate the headlines. Chelsea’s struggles under Maresca cannot be ignored, particularly in Europe, where their three-match losing streak paints a picture of fragility. Defensive absences only add to their woes, and unless their midfield asserts control, they risk being overrun by a Benfica side already showing signs of a Mourinho-inspired revival.

Benfica, however, are far from perfect. Their collapse against Qarabağ showed that lapses in concentration can still cost them dearly, and Mourinho will need his team to remain disciplined in a high-pressure environment. If they do, they have the weapons to hurt Chelsea, especially on the counter.

Expect Stamford Bridge to be a cauldron of emotion, with the Blues desperate to respond to recent setbacks. But with Mourinho’s tactical expertise, Benfica could frustrate their hosts and take advantage of Chelsea’s defensive issues.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Benfica

Další informace o této hře naleznete na:
Chelsea vs Benfica | UEFA Champions League 2025/26