When Chelsea lock horns with Benfica, it’s never just another fixture—it’s a meeting of histories, of tactical wills, and of pride. The stage is Stamford Bridge, where the Blues will look to harness home advantage against a Benfica side brimming with confidence and seasoned in big moments.
Chelsea arrive under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, who’s gradually imposing his identity on the squad. They’ve enjoyed recent momentum: goals are flowing, combinations are clicking, and the dressing room seems to believe once again. Despite occasional defensive frailties, their attacking depth—players like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández—means the Blues have threats from multiple angles.
Benfica, meanwhile, bring a fearless underdog’s mentality. Topping their group ahead of Bayern Munich was no small feat. Their ability to grind out results—even when not at their fluent best—speaks to their resilience. Veterans like Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi offer leadership; the youngsters and attackers provide bursts of unpredictability.
Tactically, it should be fascinating. Chelsea will want dominance—control of possession, pressing high, forcing Benfica into mistakes, and leveraging their forward options to stretch the Portuguese defence. For Benfica, patience will be key. They’ll likely sit in, absorb early pressure, and try to strike on the counter or through set-pieces. Otamendi’s aerial strength, Di María’s guile, and an ability to punish errors will be crucial.
This match isn’t just about the ninety minutes—it’s about momentum. A win gives Chelsea not just points but belief; for Benfica, a strong performance could turn heads, boost morale, and make them dangerous in subsequent knockout scenarios. Chelsea’s history of edging out Benfica in past encounters gives them a psychological edge, but history can’t play the game.
Prediction: Tight. Expect goals from both sides. Chelsea should just have enough to eke out a 2-1 win, if their attack finds rhythm early. But Benfica won’t go down quietly
