When Chelsea edged Benfica 1‑0 at Stamford Bridge on , the venue buzzed with a mix of triumph and nostalgia. The decisive moment came just 18 minutes in when Richard Rios redirected a cross into his own net, handing the home side the lead.
Background & Rivalry
It was a storybook setting for José Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician who stepped onto the pitch as Benfica's manager. This was Mourinho’s first return to South‑west London since November 2020, when he left Chelsea for Tottenham. That 2020 farewell still lingers in the collective memory of the Blues’ faithful.
The two clubs had already met earlier in the summer during a rain‑marred Club World Cup quarter‑final, a 4‑1 extra‑time win for Chelsea. The Champions League league‑phase clash was therefore their first meeting in Europe since that June encounter.
Historically, Mourinho has faced the Blues fifteen times in his managerial career, winning just four of those meetings. The odds, the pundits said, were stacked against him, and the early own goal only deepened that narrative.
Match Overview
The encounter was officially part of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phaseStamford Bridge. Kick‑off was scheduled for 20:00 UK time, and the stadium was a sea of blue and white.
Benfica started brightly. Within the first 13 minutes, Dodi Lukebakio fired a low effort from a tight angle that rattled the near post. Robert Sanchez, the Chelsea goalkeeper, had to scramble the rebound into a corner, but the danger was real.
Just five minutes later, a looping cross from the left found its way to the edge of the box. Rios, attempting a clearance, slipped on the grass and the ball rolled into his own net. The crowd went silent for a heartbeat, then erupted as the home side celebrated the unexpected lead.
After the break, Pedro Neto introduced himself to the fans, darting down the right wing and delivering a pinpoint cross that tested the Benfica defense. Yet the visitors’ resolve held firm, and the match ended 1‑0, with Chelsea securing three vital points in the new league‑phase format.
Tactical Battles & Key Moments
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, had been honest in the pre‑match briefing about injury concerns. He confirmed that João Pedro, Andrey Santos and Moisés Caicedo were carrying “small problems.” Nonetheless, Maresca stressed the squad’s depth, noting, “We need to maintain the level, because the Champions League requires a high level.”
Statistically, Chelsea completed 567 passes (83% accuracy) and covered an average of 108 kilometres per player. Their top speed clocked at 30 km/h, matching Benfica’s most rapid runner, Lukebakio. Defensively, Chelsea made 18 successful tackles and recovered the ball 12 times, a testament to their pressing intensity.
Benfica’s coach, Mourinho, opted for a 4‑3‑3 that emphasized wing‑play, but the early own goal forced a tactical reshuffle. He pulled back the attacking trio, trying to overload the midfield, yet Chelsea’s compact shape neutralised that threat.
The match’s lone statistic that mattered most was the timing of the own goal – 18:07 on the clock. In a competition where goal differences can decide group standings, that single moment effectively sealed the result.
Reactions & Implications
After the final whistle, Maresca praised his side’s resilience: “We knew the first half could be tricky, but the lads kept their composure and took the chance when it came.” He also hinted at a possible rotation for the upcoming Premier League fixture, given the fitness concerns.
Mourinho, on the other hand, gave a measured response. “It’s football,” he said, “sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce the way you want. We will analyse, we will improve.” The former Chelsea boss even blew a kiss to the traveling fans, a gesture that sparked a chorus of whistles and cheers – the first time the chanting of his name was heard at Stamford Bridge since his departure.
From a broader perspective, the win catapults Chelsea to the top of Group E with three points, while Benfica remains on the back foot with zero. The league‑phase format rewards consistency, and this early three points could prove decisive when the group stage concludes.
Sports analysts, such as former England international Joe Cole, noted, “Chelsea have shown they can grind out results when needed. Mourinho’s return added extra media noise, but the Blues handled the pressure well.”
Looking Ahead
The next round sees Chelsea travel to Bucharest to face FCSB on 7 October. Maresca will likely rotate his midfield, given the lingering niggles on Pedro and Caicedo.
For Mourinho, the challenge remains to tighten his defence and find a goal‑scoring outlet against a disciplined Chelsea side. If Benfica can regroup quickly, the group could still be wide open.
One thing is clear: the narrative surrounding Mourinho’s return has shifted from “homecoming drama” to “tactical test.” How the Portuguese manager adapts will shape the rest of Benfica’s European campaign.
Key Facts
- Match: Chelsea 1‑0 Benfica
- Date & time: 30 September 2025, 20:00 UK
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Goal: Own‑goal by Richard Rios (18 min)
- Managerial headline: José Mourinho returns to face former club after five‑year absence
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Benfica’s chance to advance?
Benfica now sits on zero points with a negative goal difference, meaning they must win their next two group games and hope Chelsea drops points. The margin is slim, but the early setback makes the path to the knockout stage considerably tougher.
What injuries did Chelsea confirm before the match?
Enzo Maresca revealed that João Pedro, Andrey Santos and Moíses Caicedo were carrying minor knocks. He stressed they were still match‑fit and expected to feature in the squad.
Why was Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge significant?
Mourinho left Chelsea in 2020 after a highly publicised spell. His comeback as an opposing manager not only revived a personal rivalry but also added a media spotlight that intensified the match atmosphere for both fans and players.
Who scored the winning goal and how?
The only goal came from a defensive mishap: after a cross from the left, Richard Rios attempted a clearance, slipped, and inadvertently directed the ball into his own net at the 18‑minute mark.
What does this win mean for Chelsea’s Champions League campaign?
Earning three points in the opening match gives Chelsea a psychological edge and puts them atop Group E. It sets a positive tone, especially after a mixed start to the domestic season, and provides breathing room for the next two fixtures.