Chelsea made it an unhappy Stamford Bridge return for Jose Mourinho as the Blues picked up their first win of the 2025-26 Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a 1-0 win. Neto stole the show for Enzo Maresca’s side and picked out Alejandro Garnacho superbly to force an own goal in the first half that proved enough to secure all three points and make it a bad night for The Special One.
Benfica made the stronger start to the game and hit the post in the early exchanges. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was the busier of the two stoppers and was forced into action on several occasions to keep Benfica out and preserve his clean sheet.
Yet Chelsea grew into the game and went close on 17 minutes when the lively Neto fired an excellent effort across goal and narrowly wide. Minutes later, he picked out Garnacho with a sumptuous pass and saw the summer signing’s volley deflect off Benfica defender Richard Rios and into the visitors' net.
Chelsea's narrow lead looked precarious, and Benfica remained a threat, which saw Maresca send on Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens early in the second half in search of the security of a second goal. Estevao came the closest with a header that was tipped over by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubiny, while Pedro's night ended in disaster as he was sent off in stoppage time after picking up his second yellow card of the game as Chelsea ground out a narrow 1-0 win
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Robert Sanchez (7/10):
Fairly busy early on but dealt with everything thrown at him comfortably enough. Decent outing for the Chelsea stopper.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Drafted back into the team by Maresca but not his greatest night's work. Caught out of position at times and hooked late on as Maresca aimed to firm things up at the back.
Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):
Was back in the team after his red card at the weekend but this was another unconvincing showing in the heart of the Chelsea backline. Looked shaky and his decision making wasn't the best.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
His first start for Chelsea since the Club World Cup and was solid enough.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Had his hands full up against Dodi Lukebakio but got better as the game wore on.
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Facundo Buonanotte (6/10):
Made his Champions League debut and look at home in a lively showing. Picked up a booking straight after half-time which looked a harsh decision and saw him swiftly replaced by Maresca.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Another dominant performance in midfield from the Chelsea man. Barely put a pass astray and covered an enormous amount of ground.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
The former Benfica man was battered by objects thrown from visiting supporters at a corner and was subjected to a rash of fouls in the first half but shrugged it all off to put in another influential display.
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Pedro Neto (7/10):
Was described by Jose Mourinho as one "one of the best wingers in the world" before kick-off and was Chelsea's best player on the night. All of Chelsea's best moments came through the Portugal international and it was his vision that resulted in the only goal of the game.
Tyrique George (4/10)
Game really passed him by and he made little impact. Had one chance before half-time but could only hit it tamely at the goalkeeper.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Forced the own goal by volleying Neto's great pass into the danger area but that was about as good as it got. Tried hard but nothing else came off and he was hooked on the hour.
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Estevao Wilian (6/10):
Came off the bench early in the second half and his first few touches got the crowd going. Had a chance with a header after a cross from Enzo Fernandez but couldn't beat the goalkeeper.
Joao Pedro (3/10):
A fairly disastrous showing. Brought on to add more firepower but had no sights of goal and was then sent off in stoppage time for a high boot which brought a second yellow card.
Jamie Gittens (5/10):
Made zero impact after coming on for the last half hour. Had one late run at goal that simply fizzled out when he reached the danger zone.
Reece James (7/10)
Sent on the last 10 minutes to help Chelsea see it out and made an important late block.
Josh Acheampong (6/10)
Another late reinforcement to help Chelsea see it out.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
Made plenty of changes to his team and was rewarded with a much-needed win, although he won't be pleased to see his team finish with 10 men yet again. Chelsea weren't at their best against Benfica, and looked toothless at times in attack, but the result means their Champions League campaign is up and running.