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Enzo Maresca's Chelsea were made to work for their first three points of this season's Champions League, as Jose Mourinho was unable to inspire Benfica to a result upon his return to west London.
After a run of one win in five matches across all competitions, Maresca and Chelsea could ill-afford any more slip-ups in their first Champions League match at Stamford Bridge since 2023. While the home side were ahead at the break, it was a somewhat lopsided scoreboard, given Benfica had been the better side. Alas, Alejandro Garnacho's cross had been deflected into his own goal by Richard Rios to give Chelsea the advantage.
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with the visitors looking the more likely to find a second goal. Chelsea were forced to huff and puff but had enough in the tank to drag themselves over the line and secure a first win of this season's league phase. Express Sport hands out player ratings from a testing night at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez - 6
Benfica would've been disappointed not to have tested the shot-stopper more than they did, especially given his recent struggles between the sticks. While his team-mates might've struggled, the Spaniard was relativley untested.
Malo Gusto - 6
Was in need of a solid showing after a difficult couple of outings, and the Frenchman responded. He did the simple things well and offered support to a fairly lacklustre attack on occasion. Subbed after 80 minutes with the score 1-0.
Trevoh Chalobah - 6
He is no stranger to an error at the back but he remained cool, calm and collected against the Portuguese outfit.
Benoit Badiashile - 7
A much-welcome return to action for the defender at a time when Chelsea are crying out for a touch of quality in the centre of defence. Played 80 of the 90 minutes and looked comfortable whenever called upon at the back. It would be a major boost for Maresca if the Frenchman could stay fit and maintain this level of performance.
Marc Cucurella - 5
By no means his finest match in a Chelsea shirt, as for the first time in a while. he looked uncomfortable when being run at. Gave the ball way for a chance that led to Benfica hitting the post in the first half, but did grow into the game as the second half went on.
Enzo Fernandez - 6
Found himself at the heart of the action and not for the right reasons in the first half. Sloppiness in the middle of the park saw him give the ball away for a Benfica chance, only for the midfielder to be unfairly pelted with missiles by the Benfica fans while taking a corner. He improved as the game went on and could've had an assist for Estevao's header.
Moises Caicedo - 7
Has developed into perhaps Chelsea's most important midfielder, both in and out of possession. Broke up play when necessary and helped carry the ball away from the danger areas. Comfortably Chelsea's best player.
Facundo Buonanotte - 6
Looked tidy on the ball at times and was probably taken off too early. The attacking midfielder wasn't even meant to be in the Champions League squad, but was called up after a late injury.
Pedro Neto - 7
Saw plenty of the goal, especially when Chelsea went in search of a second goal to kill the game. Took too long to pull the trigger with one effort, but he was the most threatening of the forwards who started the match.
Tyrique George - 5
Given a difficult job at the tip of Chelsea's attack, but the youngster didn't suit leading the line one bit. Had a sight of goal he ought to have done better with in the first half, but lacked the awareness to take it first time.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6
Put the ball into a dangerous area for the opener and was rightly rewarded for the moment of quality. It wasn't for the lack of effort, but the ex-Manchester United star struggled to make an impact thereafter and was subbed after an hour.
Substitutes:
Joao Pedro - 4
Had been on course for a decent rating after a bright performance off the bench, but a moment of madness saw the attacker shown a second yellow card. It came in the seventh minute of added time after a high boot rendered a second yellow. Harsh decision in truth, but it's yet another red card for a Chelsea player.
Jamie Gittens - 5
Hasn't exactly taken off so far in a Chelsea shirt, which could be down to the lack of opportunities he's had in the starting XI. However, with cameos that are as quiet as this, it's a situation unlikely to change for the summer arrival.
Estevao - 7
By far the most promising substitute performance, with the teenager coming close to his first-ever Champions League goal. A clever header tested the Benfica goalkeeper, on a night where the Blues' attackers flattered to deceive.
Reece James - 6
Was tasked with getting Chelsea over the line and he did just that. Aware to the danger on more than one occasion, the best of which saw the Englishman pull off a tidy sliding block with his chest.
Josh Acheampong - 6
Didn't put a foot wrong off the bench.