Chelsea defeated Benfica 1–0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for their first victory in the Champions League this season.
The fixture marked José Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, but also a rematch from the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer. The Blues defeated Benfica in the U.S. after a lengthy weather suspension in the round of 16, though Mourinho was not in charge at the time. He had the tough task of overturning a poor run of form for Benfica having failed to win in their last eight meetings against English sides.
Enzo Maresca rotated his attack handing starts to Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte and Tyrique George. The Italian named what was the youngest starting lineup ever for the Blues in the competition’s history at exactly 24-years-old.
Benfica started strong looking to put Chelsea under pressure. Richard Ríos made his influence in midfield known early looking to spring counter attacks while breaking up possession. Yet, it was the Blues going in front first.
Pedro Neto played a dangerous cross to set Garnacho on a run into the box unmarked. The Argentine could not direct the effort on goal, but played it into a dangerous area. Ríos undid his strong start by blasting an attempted clearance into the back of the net for an own goal.
