The ‘New’ vs The ‘Special’: Maresca Meets Mourinho
Chelsea lock horns with Benfica in a crucial Champions League tie, with both sides chasing momentum on Europe’s biggest stage. The Blues sit mid-table in the Premier League after a patchy run, desperate to steady their season. Benfica, meanwhile, arrives flying high in Portugal, unbeaten in weeks and carrying strong domestic form into Europe. With qualification stakes tightening, Chelsea can’t afford another slip, while Benfica sees this as a chance to stamp authority on the group.
Match Details :
- Fixture: Chelsea vs Benfica
- Date: Wednesday, 1st October 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 AM IST (7:00 PM BST, Oct 1)
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)
- VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)
LIVE STREAM:
The match will be live on the Sony LIV app, and will be telecast on Sony Sports Network too.
Team news :
Chelsea welcomes the Benfica tie with several injury headaches. Cole Palmer is out with a groin problem, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Fofana, Colwill, Delap, and Essugo remain unavailable. Fitness doubts linger over Caicedo, João Pedro, and Andrey Santos, though recent training suggests possible involvement. Marc Guiu and Romeo Lavia could be called upon if rotation is needed.
Benfica also carries absences, with Manu Silva, Alexander Bah, and Bruma all sidelined long-term. Mourinho’s side is still adapting to his style but can count on in-form striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who remains their main attacking spark.
X-factors :
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)– Orchestrates play; his passing range sets Chelsea’s rhythm.
- Reece James (Chelsea)– Offers defensive stability and dangerous overlapping runs.
- Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) – In lethal form; clinical finisher inside the box.
- Ángel Di María (Benfica)– Veteran spark; can create chances from wide areas or set pieces.
Head-to-Head:
| Key Stats | Chelsea | Benfica |
| Head-to-head | 4 wins | 0 wins |
| Draws | 0 | 0 |
| Last 4 Matches | W, W, W, W | L, L, L, L |
| Aggregate(4) | 10 goals | 3 goals |
| Top Scorer(4) | Fernando Torres (2) | Cardozo (2) |
| Other Scorers | Oscar (1), Hazard (1) | Javi García (1) |
| Notable Streak | 100% win record against Benfica in all competitions | Yet to beat Chelsea in Europe |
Last time Chelsea faced Benfica:
Tactical tussles :
Chelsea and Benfica are likely to engage in a tight tactical battle, with the midfield set to be the key battleground. Chelsea will rely on Enzo Fernández to dictate the tempo, supported by a compact defensive shape that can absorb pressure and launch quick counters. Reece James and Marc Cucurella will provide width, stretching Benfica’s backline.
Benfica, under Mourinho, will look to control possession with a disciplined 4-3-3, pressing high to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm and using Vangelis Pavlidis’ movement to target spaces behind the fullbacks. Set-pieces from both sides add an extra layer of danger, with Chelsea’s aerial presence and Benfica’s clever routines potentially deciding the match.
Predicted lineups:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estêvão, Fernández, Garnacho; Pedro.
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedić, Otamendi, Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Ríos; Lukébakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
