Chelsea were 1–0 winners over Benfica at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League group stage on October 1, 2025. The only goal of the game came in the 18th minute when Richard Ríos deflected Alejandro Garnacho’s volleyed cross, off a run by Pedro Neto, into his own net. This was José Mourinho’s first return to Stamford Bridge in five years, but the former Chelsea boss and now Benfica manager could not turn his side’s pressure into any clear cut chances. Chelsea finished the match with ten men as João Pedro was sent off in stoppage time, and ultimately, their structure was able to withstand the late pressure.
Structure, Pressing, and Midfield Control
Enzo Maresca deployed Chelsea in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, using Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández as a double pivot to close central spaces and screen passes. This setup forced Benfica wide, where Chelsea’s full‑backs engaged quickly. Benfica lined up in a 4‑3‑3, with Dodi Lukebakio and Georgiy Sudakov instructed to stretch Chelsea’s lines by running into the half‑spaces. Early phases saw Benfica hold possession, but their entries lacked penetration.
Chelsea’s breakthrough underlined this plan: pressure on the flanks created the cross that Ríos deflected. Sport Bet Zambia allows readers to track how tactical shifts like compact midfields and forced wide play affect live models and odds, showing how controlling space can be more decisive than dominating the ball. Betting markets respond quickly to these tactical swings, with odds shifting when a side gains control of critical spaces. Understanding these links between strategy and numbers makes betting analysis more grounded in real match flow.
Benfica adjusted by advancing Fredrik Aursnes and pushing their full‑backs higher, creating more territory but not genuine openings. Chelsea’s midfield shape absorbed this pressure, while Caicedo repeatedly broke up sequences with interceptions. The pace of the game slowed after the half-hour, with fouls and stoppages preventing Benfica from building momentum. Game‑state management tilted further toward Chelsea’s preferred rhythm.
List of tactical takeaways:
- Midfield compactness overrides territorial dominance
- Exploiting wide spaces during the opponent’s high press
- Timing substitutions to shift defensive balance
- Managing red‑card periods with structural discipline
These takeaways show why Chelsea maintained control despite Benfica’s spells of possession. Benfica circulated the ball, but Chelsea’s timely pressure limited them to low‑value chances, while transitions offered the greater threat.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
Several incidents shaped the outcome and illustrated the tactical story of the night. Chelsea struck early, then relied on compact defending, while Benfica created moments but failed to convert them.
- 18’: Richard Ríos’ own goal from Garnacho’s volleyed cross, following Neto’s build-up play.
- Early second half: Dodi Lukebakio struck the near post, and a later penalty appeal after a tangle with Enzo Fernández was waved away.
- 90+6’: João Pedro was dismissed for a second yellow card, leaving Chelsea to finish with ten men.
Mourinho’s team carried territory in the second half, but Chelsea’s block remained organised and unbroken. The dismissal added drama but did not alter the outcome, as Chelsea cleared their lines with discipline, as reported by Reuters.
Statistical Snapshot
The statistics provide context beyond the final score, showing how both sides approached the game. While Chelsea were efficient in key areas, Benfica produced slightly more attempts and corners, reflecting their territorial push late in the match.
| Metric | Chelsea | Benfica |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Total Shots | 8 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 3 |
| Corners | 3 | 5 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 5 |
The numbers illustrate a tight contest. As highlighted in the Chelsea FC match report, Benfica attempted more efforts and corners, but Chelsea engineered the decisive sequence and prevented them from turning territory into quality shots.
Substitutions and Game Management
Both coaches turned to their benches with different intentions. Enzo Maresca introduced Reece James and other late changes to reinforce structure and aerial defence. These moves helped Chelsea preserve compactness, especially after the red card. Mourinho, meanwhile, introduced Tomás Araújo at centre-back and later added more attackers in search of width and direct play. However, their lack of chemistry and precision in the final third blunted the impact.
Substitution overview:
- Chelsea: Reece James was introduced late to strengthen the right side and add composure in possession. Other fresh legs secured shape.
- Benfica: Tomás Araújo entered at centre-back; later attacking switches increased runners but not effectiveness.
This contrast showed Chelsea focusing on consolidating energy and shape, while Benfica reacted to circumstances without finding fluency. Chelsea’s choices aligned with game‑state control; Benfica’s felt reactive.
Defensive Organisation and Pressing Traps
Chelsea funnelled Benfica toward the flanks, springing presses once support angles narrowed. Caicedo initiated triggers by cutting central lanes, while Fernández anticipated loose balls. This prevented Benfica from sustaining central combinations, forcing them into aerial or wide deliveries. Benoît Badiashile and Axel Disasi dealt effectively with Pavlidis, denying him clean turns in the box. Even when Benfica generated volume, their expected goals remained modest.
Mourinho’s adjustments showed intent, but without sharper final passes, they yielded little. His side often circulated well until the final third, then ran into compact Chelsea numbers. The difference lay in Chelsea converting one wide action into the decisive goal.
Verified Takeaways
The scoreline reflected the contest: Benfica carried volume but not threat, Chelsea limited them to low‑quality chances, and one forced error defined the night. The late red card tested Chelsea’s block, but organisation and discipline prevailed.
For Chelsea, this was a stabilising win after losing their opener to Bayern. It reinforced belief in Maresca’s compact structure and transition plan. For Benfica, Mourinho’s return highlighted discipline and effort, but also underlined the lack of sharpness in the final acts. To progress in Europe, they must refine the timing of runs, improve crossing quality, and convert possession into real danger.
