UCL: Chelsea Edges Benfica 1-0 in Champions League Clash

Mourinho's Benfica falls to Chelsea in UCL

Jose Mourinho's Benfica suffered a defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea beat Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League, with Richard Rios scoring an own goal.

Rios scores own goal as 10-man Chelsea beat Benfica on Mourinho return.. 

Chelsea came out on top in Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, defeating Benfica 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) to extend the Special One’s winless managerial H2H streak against the Blues to eight games (D3, L5).

Coming into this game unbeaten as Benfica boss (W2, D1), Mourinho oversaw a strong start from his side, with Dodi Lukébakio’s low strike requiring an intervention from Robert Sánchez to push it onto the foot of the post 

Chelsea eventually responded to the visitors’ positivity, almost breaking the deadlock when Pedro Neto fizzed a bouncing ball narrowly wide of the upright.

Undeterred, the winger soon provided a whipped cross to the back post, where Alejandro Garnacho guided the ball back across goal, prompting Richard Ríos to inadvertently divert it into his own net.

As the match settled into a rhythm, Chelsea nearly doubled their lead just before halftime. Marc Cucurella's pass found Tyrique George, who had a promising opportunity, but he was unable to beat Anatoliy Trubin with his second touch in the box.

Benfica began the second half in the same manner as the first, posing a threat to Chelsea's goal. Fredrik Aursnes found himself in promising positions on a couple of occasions, only to be flagged offside. Despite their efforts, clear-cut chances were scarce, and Chelsea managed to keep Benfica at bay as the match entered the final 20 minutes. The stalemate suited Chelsea, who were content to hold onto their slender lead.

Chelsea grind out a win 🔵#UCL pic.twitter.com/Gqh8UbRm4V

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 30, 2025

Despite Jose Mourinho's triple substitution in an effort to shake things up, it was Chelsea who came closest to doubling their lead. Substitute Estêvão Willian's header forced a strong save from Anatoliy Trubin, showcasing the young player's quality and Chelsea's continued threat.

The match took a dramatic turn in stoppage time as Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. João Pedro was dismissed for a second yellow card, leaving Chelsea to defend their slender lead. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea managed to hold on for the win.

Chelsea secured a 1-0 win over Benfica in their Champions League match, with Richard Rios scoring an own goal that proved decisive. This victory marked Chelsea's first points in the current UCL campaign and extended their perfect record against Benfica to five wins.

Cucu + #UCL nights at the Bridge = 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FWPkkQFbuP

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 30, 2025

Benfica's loss to Chelsea continued their struggles against English teams, with their last nine matches yielding no wins, three draws, and six losses. They currently sit without points in the league phase after a disappointing opening match loss to Qarabağ. Benfica's recent form hasn't been ideal, but they still boast a strong squad and will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.