It was alleged to be an evening of nostalgia at Stamford Bridge, a return residence for José Mourinho with the group the place he began his profession as a supervisor. The Portuguese coach famously mentioned on his return that no membership has made him enthusiastic about becoming a member of greater than Benfica. However as a substitute of pleasure, it became yet one more irritating night for the Portuguese tactician, as Chelsea edged Benfica 1-0 of their UEFA Champions League conflict.
The consequence means Mourinho continues to be trying to find his first win towards Chelsea as a supervisor since 2010, stretching his winless run to eight matches (D3, L5) towards the membership he as soon as led to Premier League glory. Sarcastically, it was his former group that spoiled his homecoming, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues exhibiting grit and composure to safe their first European victory of the season.
Softfootball anticipated an in depth encounter within the match preview, predicting a 1-all draw, however Chelsea obtained the job performed early, courtesy of a scrappy first-half objective. After Benfica’s energetic begin which noticed Dodi Lukébakio sting Robert Sánchez’s gloves earlier than the ball clipped the submit, Chelsea started discovering rhythm. Pedro Neto, at all times buzzing, drilled one simply broad earlier than delivering a teasing cross that precipitated chaos. Below stress, Richard Ríos by accident turned Alejandro Garnacho’s effort into his personal web.
The Blues virtually made it two earlier than halftime when Tyrique George, beginning up prime, practically transformed a positive Marc Cucurella supply solely to be denied by Anatoliy Trubin. Talking on Marc Cucurella, he was merely simply good on this encounter and befittingly gained the Man of the Match award. Chelsea posted an image of the defender celebrating together with his award on their official X account.
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Benfica tried once more after the restart, and although Fredrik Aursnes discovered respectable positions, he was caught offside twice. Mourinho rolled the cube with a triple substitution, however Chelsea stayed compact, irritating the guests and practically including a late second when Estêvão compelled a positive cease from Trubin.
There was late drama as João Pedro picked up a second yellow card deep in stoppage time Chelsea’s third pink in three video games but Maresca’s aspect held agency.
For Mourinho, this one stings. His final win at Stamford Bridge stays that well-known 2010 Inter Milan triumph, and now, even again residence, the Bridge nonetheless affords no consolation.
