Chelsea marked Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League, extending the Portuguese coach’s winless managerial run against his former club to eight games.
Benfica, unbeaten under Mourinho before this trip, made the brighter start as Dodi Lukébakio forced Robert Sánchez into a fingertip save onto the post.
But Chelsea struck when Pedro Neto’s cross eventually led to Richard Ríos diverting into his own net under pressure from Alejandro Garnacho.
The Blues threatened again before the break through youngster Tyrique George, while Benfica’s attempts to rally after half-time lacked precision, with Fredrik Aursnes twice flagged offside.
Chelsea substitute Estêvão later tested Anatoliy Trubin, but the hosts’ task was complicated when João Pedro saw red in stoppage time.
Still, Enzo Maresca’s side held firm to claim maximum points as they maintain a perfect record against Benfica, now five wins from five meetings.
The visitors, by contrast, remain winless in nine games against English opposition and pointless in this season’s competition.
