In what will be something of a reunion, Chelsea welcome their former manager Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge as he leads Benfica in round two of the Champions League league phase.
Both sides will be aiming to recover from opening defeats, with this encounter marking Mourinho’s first European outing since returning to the Lisbon giants. The Portuguese’s second spell began after the club parted ways with Bruno Lage immediately following their shock reverse against Qarabag.
Read our Chelsea vs Benfica predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Champions League predictions.
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Chelsea vs Benfica prediction: Reunion with Mourinho
Key stats:
- Benfica have scored and conceded in three of their last four fixtures, with over 2.5 goals recorded in that run.
- Chelsea have won three of their four meetings with the Portuguese side in regulation time, while the other was settled after extra time in favour of the English club.
- Both teams have scored in the last three encounters between the pair, with two of them featuring over 2.5 goals.
- Chelsea have opened the scoring in all four previous head-to-head clashes.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica
Although Chelsea approach this contest in poor shape, with just one win in their last five outings in all competitions, their historic dominance in this fixture cannot be overlooked. This clash could provide the ideal opportunity for the Blues to steady themselves. That said, given the high-scoring nature of past meetings, coupled with both teams’ recent involvement in goal-heavy matches, a similar outcome is expected.
Champions League betting offer of the day
Pre-match analysis: Hosts rated more than three times likelier to win
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
Despite Chelsea’s unconvincing recent form, the bookmakers consider them clear favourites, with more than three times the probability of victory compared to their Lisbon visitors.
The Blues have been priced at 1.60, equating to a 62.5% chance of winning, while Benfica’s 5.25 implies just a 19% likelihood of success.
Our hot tip of both teams to score and over 2.5 goals comes at 2.00, which looks like fair value given the record between these sides and the fact that both have recently shown a tendency to both create and concede chances.
Most recent H2H: The Blues dominant over the Portuguese side
The last time these sides met was in the Club World Cup round of 16, where Chelsea claimed a 4-1 win after extra time, extending their run to four successive victories over Benfica.
FIFA Club World Cup 28/06/25
Benfica
Chelsea
Chelsea preview: Palmer absence adds to lengthy list of concerns
Chelsea’s struggles have been clear in recent weeks, with only one win from their last five matches – a narrow 2-1 success over League One side Lincoln City. The Blues have drawn once and suffered three defeats in that run, including a 3-1 loss at Bayern Munich on matchday one, which marked their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Enzo Maresca’s men were exposed again at the weekend when, despite taking the lead, the Londoners collapsed after Trevoh Chalobah’s dismissal and slipped to another 3-1 defeat. The defender is expected to be available for continental action, but Maresca has major concerns at the back. Levi Colwill remains out with a cruciate ligament injury, Tosin Adarabioyo is sidelined until after the October international break with a calf problem, and Wesley Fofana is a doubt following a concussion against Lincoln. However, Benoit Badiashile’s return is one positive for the Italian coach.
In attack, Liam Delap is unavailable with a hamstring issue, while Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer will be missing for at least two to three weeks with a groin injury. Midfielder Dario Essugo also continues rehabilitation after thigh surgery.
Predicted XI: Sanchez (GK), James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Neto, Fernandez, Estevao & J Pedro.
- 27/09/25: Chelsea 1-3 Brighton (L)
- 23/09/25: Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea (W)
- 20/09/25: Manchester Utd 2-1 Chelsea (L)
- 17/09/25: Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea (L)
- 13/09/25: Brentford 2-2 Chelsea (D)
Benfica preview: Mourinho aims to build momentum
Mourinho has made a positive start since returning to Benfica in September, winning two of his first three matches, including a comeback 2-1 success against Gil Vicente on Friday. Now, he prepares for an emotional return to Stamford Bridge, where his managerial career reached some of its greatest heights.
The Portuguese side remain without long-term absentees Alexander Bah, Manu Silva and Bruma. New signing Dodi Lukebakio made his first start last time out, and it remains to be seen whether he retains his place in the XI.
Predicted XI: Zetterstrom (GK), Dahl, Silva, Otamendi, Dedic, Rios, Ausnes, Ivanovic, Sudakov, Lukebakio & Pavlidis.
- 26/09/25: Benfica 2-1 Gil Vicente (W)
- 23/09/25: Benfica 1-1 Rio Ave (D)
- 20/09/25: AFS 0-3 Benfica (W)
- 16/09/25: Benfica 2-3 Qarabag (L)
- 12/09/25: Benfica 1-1 Santa Clara (D)
Player to watch: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez made a big-money switch from Benfica to Chelsea and was initially criticised for the hefty price tag. However, the Argentine has grown into a key figure in Maresca’s side.
The midfielder has been granted more freedom in advanced areas, even featuring in an attacking role in Palmer’s absence against Brighton, where he opened the scoring. That took his tally of goal contributions to four this season. Facing his former club, Fernandez will be eager to make a strong impression and could play a decisive role in midfield.