Football

Chelsea Vs Benfica, UEFA Champions League: Blues Hold Off Eagles With Ríos Own Goal For 1-0 Win

Chelsea got their Champions League campaign underway at the second attempt with a narrow 1-0 win over Benfica, as an own goal from Richard Ríos in the 18th minute proved decisive. Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge as the away manager brought an electric atmosphere, but Benfica’s young side, though brave and ambitious, struggled to break down a disciplined Chelsea defense. Pedro Neto’s cross and Alejandro Garnacho’s slide set up the unfortunate Ríos for the own goal, while Chelsea’s discipline issues continued, with João Pedro sent off late. Despite Benfica’s flashes of danger, Chelsea held on to claim a hard-fought victory and reaffirm their early-season form.

UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Jose Mourinho
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho retrieves a stray ball from the pitch during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Enzo Fernandez
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez jumps for the ball with Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi, right, during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Enzo Maresca
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca stands by the touchline during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Marc Cucurella
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella looks on during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Dode Lukebakio
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Benfica's Dode Lukebakio, left, runs with the ball watched by Chelsea's Marc Cucurella during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_ Enzo Maresca
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca gestures during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Alejandro Garnacho
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho controls the ball next to Benfica's Amar Dedic, left, during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Alejandro Garnacho
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho, left, vies for the ball with Benfica's Amar Dedic during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica_Richard Rios
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Benfica's Richard Rios, 2nd left, scores an own goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26 match Chelsea vs SL Benfica-Malo Gusto
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Chelsea vs SL Benfica | Photo: AP/Kin Cheung

Chelsea's Malo Gusto vies for the ball with Benfica's Georgiy Sudakov, right, during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Chelsea and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

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