Chelsea welcome Benfica to Stamford Bridge in a Champions League clash that revives a familiar rivalry. The Blues have won all four of their competitive meetings against the Portuguese side, including a 4-1 victory at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year. With Chelsea unbeaten in their last 11 home group-stage matches, and Benfica struggling against English opposition, the story feels stacked in the hosts’ favour — but history has a way of surprising us.
Matchday Talking Points
- Chelsea have a 100% record against Benfica, winning all four meetings to date.
- Benfica are winless in their last eight matches against English sides, last winning in 2013.
- José Mourinho has only managed four wins in 14 attempts against Chelsea as an opposition manager.
- Chelsea are currently on their longest-ever losing streak in the Champions League (three games).
- Despite that slump, they are unbeaten in their last 11 home group matches (W7 D4).
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
GK: R. Sánchez
DEF: M. Gusto, T. Chalobah, B. Badiashile, M. Cucurella
MID: M. Caicedo, E. Fernández
ATT MID: P. Neto, F. Buonanotte, A. Garnacho
FWD: T. George
Benfica (4-3-3)
GK: A. Trubin
DEF: S. Dahl, N. Otamendi, A. Silva, A. Dedić
MID: F. Aursnes, E. Barrenechea, R. Ríos
FWD: H. Sudakov, E. Pavlidis, D. Lukebakio
Substitutes
- Chelsea: Jamie Gittens, Filip Jörgensen, João Pedro, Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Marc Guiu, Estêvão, Roméo Lavia, Reggie Walsh, Max Andrew Merrick
- Benfica: Rafael Obrador, Franjo Ivanović, Leandro Barreiro, Andreas Schjelderup, Samuel Soares, Henrique Araújo, Tomás Araújo, Diogo José de Nazaré e Jesus Ferreira, Gonçalo Calisto de Oliveira, João Veloso, João Rego, Diogo Prioste
Managers
Benfica: J. Mourinho
Chelsea: E. Maresca
Score Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Benfica — The Blues’ home record and Benfica’s struggles in England suggest Chelsea edge this one, but it could be tight.
Final Thoughts
Chelsea may be wobbling in Europe overall, but Stamford Bridge has been a fortress in the group stages. Benfica arrive with a poor record in England and pressure mounting on their form. Expect a close battle, but Chelsea’s unbeaten home streak in the Champions League group stages should hold.
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