Chelsea edge Benfica 1-0 for first Champions League win under Enzo Maresca

On Tuesday, September 30, Chelsea enjoyed their first win in the Champions League after 939 days since their last - a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge in April 2023.

Tuesday’s 1-0 win was also at home, this time against Spanish side, Benfica, managed by former Chelsea coach, Jose Mourinho.

Though not the cleanest of wins, every point matters under the new Champions League format. The Blues will be satisfied to jump a few places in the standings and finally get off the mark in this year’s competition.

The only goal of the game came via an own goal from Richard Rios, who turned in Alejandro Garnacho’s ball.

A puzzling lineup and bold selections

Enzo Maresca’s lineup was riddling, although injuries do serve as a reasonable excuse.

The choice to start Tyrique George as a striker, with Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte part of Chelsea’s attack, raised questions. The decision made the second-half introductions of Estevao and Joao Pedro all the more welcome.

Unlike recent losses to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Brighton - where defensive errors and goalkeeping lapses were costly - Chelsea looked far more composed against Benfica.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez held their own in midfield, while Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella delivered strong performances. When Estevao came on, he injected fresh energy into the side.

Mixed impact from substitutes

Jamie Gittens, another substitute, is yet to make a real impression in Blue. Patience may be required, but doubts are beginning to creep in.

Meanwhile, Joao Pedro provided the sour note of the night. After coming off the bench, the Brazilian was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, ruling him out of Chelsea’s next European match - a home clash with Ajax.

That dismissal marked Chelsea’s third red card in their last four games, underlining an indiscipline problem that Maresca and his squad are still struggling to resolve.

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