The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is back with a blockbuster clash as Chelsea host Benfica at Stamford Bridge. All eyes will be on José Mourinho, the most successful manager in Chelsea’s history, as he returns to his old stomping ground, this time leading the Portuguese giants. With both teams desperate for their first win on matchday two, Tanzanian fans can expect a night of high drama, tactical battles, and potentially plenty of goals.
Match Context: Chelsea in Crisis, Benfica on the Rise
Chelsea started the season brightly but has now slipped into a worrying slump. The Blues have won just once in their last five games (D1, L3), with their only victory coming against third-tier Lincoln in the Carabao Cup. Back-to-back Premier League defeats—both involving red cards—have left manager Enzo Maresca frustrated, as he accuses his players of “giving away presents” to opponents. Adding to their woes, Chelsea lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in their opening UCL game, leaving them on a club-record three-match losing streak in Europe.
Benfica, on the other hand, looks revitalized under Mourinho. After replacing Bruno Lage—who was dismissed following a shock 3-2 loss to Qarabağ—the Portuguese champions are unbeaten in three under the “Special One” (W2, D1). While they may have stumbled at home, Benfica have been a dangerous side on the road in Europe, winning five of their last seven away fixtures in the UCL.
Head-to-Head Record
History favors Chelsea, who have won all four previous meetings with Benfica, all of which were in the knockout stages. Most recently, the Blues cruised to a 4-1 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 this summer. For Benfica, it’s been a struggle against English opposition in general—they are winless in their previous eight (D3, L5). Mourinho himself hasn’t beaten Chelsea in his last seven managerial encounters (D3, L4), making this reunion even more intriguing.
Key Stats and Trends
- Chelsea have failed to score in only one of their last 18 games.
- The Blues’ last three UCL defeats all came by a two-goal margin.
- Benfica’s last nine games have resulted in five red cards, underscoring the fiery nature of their matches.
- Mourinho is winless in his last seven H2Hs against Chelsea.
Players to Watch
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): Facing his former club, the Argentine midfielder has been lively with three goals and one assist in his last seven matches. However, his two yellow cards in the same span show he could also bring discipline concerns.
- Georgiy Sudakov (Benfica): The young forward has opened the scoring in two of Benfica’s last three games. Remarkably, his teams have never lost in the 17 matches where he’s found the net (W15, D2).
Team News
- Chelsea absentees: Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and star man Cole Palmer are all ruled out.
- Benfica injuries: None new—Mourinho has a full-strength squad at his disposal.
Prediction: Goals on the Cards
With Chelsea’s defensive injuries piling up and Benfica carrying the confidence of Mourinho’s unbeaten start, this promises to be an end-to-end battle. Benfica’s attacking threat on the road, combined with Chelsea’s desperation to end their European slump, sets the stage for a lively encounter.
👉 Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Benfica
Expect over 3.5 goals as both teams chase victory in a match that could define their group-stage fate.
Betting Insight for Tanzanian Fans
For punters across Tanzania, this fixture offers excellent value. Chelsea’s defensive lapses and Benfica’s counter-attacking prowess make goal markets particularly appealing. Over 3.5 goals looks a strong bet given both teams’ current form and vulnerabilities.
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