Chelsea secured a much-needed 1-0 victory against Benfica in their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign, offering a significant reprieve for manager Enzo Maresca after a challenging run of three defeats in four games. The win, registered on September 30, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, saw the highly anticipated return of former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, now at the helm of Benfica, adding an extra layer of drama to the encounter.

Mourinho's return was initially characterized by a seemingly softened demeanor, as he exchanged hugs with former players and staff, waved to fans, and winked at officials. His name was chanted by the Chelsea faithful within moments of kick-off. However, his "soft and cuddly" facade eventually slipped, leading to a late booking for venting frustrations at a free-kick decision awarded to Chelsea.

The match itself began with Benfica showing early promise. Dodi Lukebakio, a former Watford winger, struck the post, and Richard Rios tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Despite a somewhat shaky start, Chelsea found the breakthrough thanks to an own goal before the 20-minute mark. Pedro Neto initiated the move, skipping in from the right and delivering a cross to the far post. Alejandro Garnacho, making a well-timed run, opted to square the ball, which Benfica defender Richard Rios inadvertently turned into his own net, giving Chelsea the lead.

Enzo Maresca faced significant challenges in team selection, navigating injuries and fatigue after a truncated pre-season. His side, described as "muddled" and without a recognized striker, saw youngster Tyrique George leading the attack and Facundo Buonanotte starting due to an injury to Dario Essugo. Despite the lead, Chelsea struggled to assert dominance after the break, with Benfica continuing to pose threats, including Fredrik Aursnes forcing a save from Sanchez.

The game was also marked by an unsavory incident involving Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. As the Chelsea captain moved to take a corner in front of the away end, he was targeted by incensed Benfica fans, who threw missiles and jeered him, still upset by his £105 million move to Chelsea. Jose Mourinho, spotting the abuse, intervened by walking down the touchline, holding his hands up, and pleading with the fans to stop, an act widely praised online as "class." Fernandez, who had initially clapped the travelling fans, was later booked before halftime.

In the closing moments, Chelsea's recent disciplinary issues resurfaced. Joao Pedro, who came on as a substitute, swung a high boot and connected with Tomas Araujo, earning a second booking and his side's third red card in four games. Despite playing with 10 men, Chelsea defended resolutely, holding on for the crucial 1-0 win. This result provides much-needed breathing room for Maresca, though it also highlighted that both Mourinho's Benfica and his former club Chelsea are still a considerable distance from their best form. Mourinho's returning record at Stamford Bridge now stands at just one win in eight attempts over 15 years.