Chelsea 1-0 Benfica: Four things we learned from Champions League win

Chelsea 1-0 Benfica analysis has highlighted both positives and lingering issues for Enzo Maresca’s side. Richard Rios’ own goal in the 18th minute proved enough to secure victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in a tense Champions League group stage clash at Stamford Bridge. While the Blues bounced back from defeat against Bayern Munich, the narrow win raised as many questions as it answered. Here are the four main takeaways from the contest.

Introduced in the 61st minute, Jamie Gittens had ample space to exploit on the left wing but repeatedly failed to make the right decision in the final third. Despite fresh legs, the 21-year-old turned over possession several times in promising positions. Fans grew frustrated as opportunities to kill off the game slipped by. The former Borussia Dortmund winger has shown flashes of dynamism, but as of now his impact has been underwhelming. Gittens remains a work in progress and must add composure to match his athleticism.

Red cards continue to plague Chelsea’s season. Against Benfica, Joao Pedro’s late dismissal had no impact on the result, but it was the club’s third red card in just nine matches across all competitions. Recent sendings-off for Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah proved far more costly, forcing tactical reshuffles and ultimately contributing to dropped Premier League points. Maresca must address this urgently on the training ground. If the trend continues, Chelsea’s hopes of building momentum will be undermined by self-inflicted wounds.

Making his first start in three months after recovering from injury, Benoît Badiashile impressed at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Calm on the ball and sharp in duels, the Frenchman helped keep Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis quiet. His first-half interventions, including three clearances and two tackles, were vital in preserving the clean sheet. At 24, Badiashile still has much to prove after a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge, but this performance was an encouraging sign. Now the key is fitness and consistency.

Once again, Moisés Caicedo delivered a commanding midfield performance. The Ecuadorian dominated duels, registered eight tackles – the most in the match – and created two chances. His stamina, pressing and distribution were crucial as Chelsea battled to maintain control. Caicedo has quickly become irreplaceable under Maresca, silencing early critics with his relentless work rate and tactical intelligence. On nights like these, he looks every bit the world-class midfielder Chelsea invested heavily in.

FootballPlace analyst John William commented: “This game showed Chelsea’s resilience, but also highlighted familiar problems. Discipline remains an issue, while young players like Gittens need time to adapt. On the positive side, Badiashile’s return could stabilise the back line, and Caicedo is proving himself a genuine leader in midfield.”

He added: “Beating Mourinho’s Benfica was an important psychological step after losing to Bayern. Yet, for Chelsea to thrive in Europe and the Premier League, they must convert narrow margins into more convincing wins.”

Chelsea face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend before returning to European action. Maresca will demand greater discipline and sharper attacking play as the season develops. The return of Badiashile offers hope of improved defensive solidity, while Caicedo’s influence in midfield remains a cornerstone.

For supporters, the Benfica win offered relief but not yet reassurance. Chelsea have momentum to build, but they must turn flashes of quality into consistent performances if they are to compete deep into the Champions League and sustain a top-four push domestically.

👉 Which lesson matters most for Chelsea – fixing discipline issues, trusting their young stars, or leaning on Caicedo’s growing leadership?