Mourinho Returns, Chelsea Escape With Slim Victory
Chelsea found just enough to get the job done at Stamford Bridge, grinding out a 1–0 win over Benfica in the Champions League. The only goal came in scrappy fashion – an own goal under little pressure – but it proved decisive on a night when José Mourinho made his much-anticipated return to west London.
Mourinho back, but no magic
The build-up centered on Mourinho. Once adored, then hated, and now welcomed back with applause, the 62-year-old offered only a wave as chants of his name filled the Bridge. But this wasn’t his night. Benfica never looked like springing a surprise, and the Chelsea of Enzo Maresca ensured that the nostalgia didn’t turn sour.
Nervy start, lucky break
Chelsea entered the game on edge after recent league defeats and with a squad stretched by injuries. Benfica almost struck early when Dodi Lukébakio hit the post and Richard Ríos tested Robert Sánchez again soon after. Chelsea needed calm, and slowly they found it.
The breakthrough was messy. Pedro Neto swung in a cross, Alejandro Garnacho cut it back, and Ríos – under little pressure – bundled the ball into his own net. Not one for the highlights reel, but the Bridge roared all the same.
Flat football, but job done
It wasn’t pretty. Maresca’s young side looked short of cutting edge, with Facundo Buonanotte struggling in the No. 10 role and Tyrique George battling without much service up front. Benfica, meanwhile, lacked punch beyond Lukébakio. Their half-chances in the second period fizzled out, with offside runs killing momentum.
Maresca, stung by criticism of his substitutions in recent defeats, was proactive this time. He sent on Estêvão before the hour mark, later introducing João Pedro to add presence in attack. Garnacho worked hard but was replaced by Jamie Gittens after wasting a couple of chances.
Defence holds firm
At the back, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile stood strong. Badiashile, making his first start since returning from injury, brought much-needed stability. Still, Chalobah’s suspension for the upcoming Liverpool clash leaves Maresca with another headache in defence.
More relief than joy
This wasn’t a night of flair or brilliance. It was about avoiding further damage, about steadying the ship. Mourinho’s return stirred memories of Chelsea’s golden years, but for Maresca the only thing that mattered was three points. The performance may not inspire fear, but it buys time – and a little belief – ahead of bigger challenges to come.
