Chelsea secured a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, marking José Mourinho’s unsuccessful return to Stamford Bridge. Despite a spirited start from Benfica, the Blues extended Mourinho’s frustrating winless streak against his former club to eight games (D3, L5). For Chelsea fans across Tanzania and beyond, this win not only boosts their European campaign but also rekindles the proud memories of their rich history in the Champions League.
First-Half Battle: Chelsea Capitalizes on Benfica Slip
Mourinho’s Benfica began brightly, with Dodi Lukébakio testing Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez early on, forcing a fingertip save onto the post. Chelsea responded quickly, creating danger through Pedro Neto, whose effort went just wide.
The breakthrough came when Neto delivered a dangerous cross that caused chaos in Benfica’s defence. Young star Alejandro Garnacho cleverly headed the ball across the goal, leading to an unfortunate own goal by Richard Ríos. Stamford Bridge erupted, and Chelsea carried the momentum heading into halftime.
Benfica Push, Chelsea Hold
Benfica mirrored their energetic first-half approach after the break, with Fredrik Aursnes finding himself in promising positions—though both attempts were ruled offside. Mourinho’s triple substitution later in the game failed to spark a comeback, as Chelsea’s defence remained disciplined.
Substitute Estêvão nearly doubled Chelsea’s lead with a powerful header, but Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin denied him with a brilliant save.
Late Drama: João Pedro’s Dismissal
For the third consecutive match, Chelsea finished with 10 men, as João Pedro received a second yellow card deep in stoppage time. Fortunately for the Blues, the dismissal came too late to alter the outcome. Chelsea held firm and collected their first points of this UCL campaign, while also extending their perfect record against Benfica to five wins in five meetings.
Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Curse
José Mourinho, affectionately known as the Special One, remains a legend in Chelsea’s history. Yet ironically, his return to managerial duties at Stamford Bridge once again ended in disappointment. The Portuguese tactician has now gone eight matches without beating Chelsea as an opposing coach. For Benfica, the result continues their poor run against English clubs—nine games without a win (D3, L6)—a worrying statistic as their hopes in the UCL hang in the balance.
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Conclusion
Chelsea’s hard-fought win over Benfica was more than just three points—it was a statement of resilience, tactical discipline, and European ambition. As the Blues march on in the UCL, Tanzanian fans can look forward to more nights of drama, passion, and unforgettable football moments. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s struggles against his former club continue, adding another chapter to his Stamford Bridge curse.
