Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea now works at the first three points of the Champions League this season. Because Jose Mourinho couldn’t bring about any results when he returned to West London to Benfica.
After winning one win in five matches in all competitions, Maresca and Chelsea were able to neglect any more slip-ups in their first Champions League match at Stamford Bridge since 2023. Alas, Alejandro Garnacho’s cross was biased towards his own goals by Richard Rios to give Chelsea an advantage.
The second half continued in a similar way, with visitors appearing likely to find a second goal. Chelsea were forced to huff and puff, but they dragged the line into the tank and were enough enough to secure their first victory in the league phase this season. It enables players to evaluate from test nights at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez-6
Especially given the recent struggle between the sticks, Benfica would have been disappointed that he didn’t test the shot stopper any further than they did. His teammates may have struggled, but the Spaniards were unrelated.
Malo Gusto-6
After a few difficult outings, a solid show was needed, and the French replied. He did the simple things well and supported occasional rather unshiny attacks. The score was 1-0 and he lowered the bottom 80 minutes later.
Trevoh Chalobah -6
He doesn’t know the mistakes behind him, but he remains calm and calm, gathering against the Portuguese outfit.
Benoit Badiashile -7
Frequent return to the defender’s actions as Chelsea screams for a touch of quality at the heart of their defense. I played 80 minutes out of 90 and looked comfortable every time I was called back. If the French can maintain their health and maintain this level of performance, it will be a great boost for Maresca.
Marc Cucurella -5
Only after a while will he never have the best match in the Chelsea shirt. He looked uncomfortable while running. Benfica gave the ball for a chance to hit the post in the first half, but it grew into a game as the second half progressed.
Enzo Fernandez-6
I realized I was at the heart of the action, not the right reasons for the first half. The sloppy thing in the middle of the park saw him hand over the ball for Benfica’s chance. We saw the midfielder unfairly scattered on missiles by Benfica fans while he was rounding the corner. He may have improved as the game progressed and gained an assist in Estebao’s header.
Moises Caiceco -7
It has evolved into perhaps Chelsea’s most important midfielder, coming and going inside and out. They disbanded plays when necessary, helping to carry the crowbar out of the dangerous area. Chelsea’s best player.
Facundo Buonanotte -6
Sometimes it was tidy with the ball, but it was probably too early. The attacking midfielder was not even intended to join a Champions League team, but was called after his injury was delayed.
Pedro Neto -7
We saw a lot of goals, especially when Chelsea went looking for a second goal to kill the game. It took too long to pull the trigger with one effort, but he was the most threatening forward to begin the match.
Tyrique George -5
Given the difficult task at the tip of Chelsea’s offense, the youngsters didn’t suit them to lead the line a bit. He was aiming for his goal, but he should have done better in the first half, but he had no realisation that he would take it for the first time.
Alejandro Garnacho-6
The ball was placed in a dangerous area for the opener and was rewarded correctly in the moment of quality. It wasn’t because of lack of effort, but the former Manchester United star struggled to make an impact after that, and went underwear an hour later.
Alternatives:
Joao Pedro -4
After a bright performance from the bench, they wanted a decent rating, but in a crazy moment the attacker showed the second yellow card. It came in 7 minutes’ extra time after the high boots were rendered to the second yellow. It’s a tough decision for the truth, but it’s yet another red card for Chelsea.
Jamie Gitens-5
So far, they haven’t been removed exactly from Chelsea’s shirt. However, with a cameo that is as quiet as this, it is unlikely to change due to summer arrivals.
Estevao -7
There is the most promising alternative performance as the teenagers approach the first-ever Champions League goal. A clever header tested Benfica’s goalkeeper.
Reese James-6
He was tasked with getting Chelsea to the line and he did just that. I’ve noticed the danger several times and saw the best of them as the British pull a neat sliding block away with their chests.
Josh Acheampong -6
I didn’t make a mistake from the bench.
