Chelsea finally got their first Champions League win of the season after beating Benfica 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The only goal came from a funny own goal by Benfica’s Richard Rios.
How the Goal Happened
In the first half, Pedro Neto crossed the ball to Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho sent it back into the box, but Rios mistakenly kicked it into his own net. That was the only difference between the two teams in a tough game.
Benfica Almost Scored
Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea coach, brought his Benfica team back to London. They nearly scored when Dodi Lukebakio hit the post and later forced Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez to make a good save. Mourinho even got booked in the second half for complaining too much.
Chelsea Still Struggling
Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, had to use a weak squad because of injuries. He started 18-year-old Tyrique George in attack and gave Facundo Buonanotte a rare chance.
Even though Neto and Garnacho tried to create chances, Chelsea looked poor in attack after halftime. Benfica pushed hard for an equaliser, but Chelsea held on. Things got worse for the Blues when substitute Joao Pedro got a second yellow card, meaning Chelsea finished with 10 men.
What It Means
For Mourinho, it was another sad night at Stamford Bridge — he has only won once there as an away manager in eight tries. For Chelsea, the win gives them three important points but also shows they still have a lot of work to do.
