'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Newly-appointed Benfica boss Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2022 on Tuesday when the Portuguese giants take on Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League group-stage clash. Both sides renew acquaintances following their encounter in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 back in June, when the Blues netted three extra-time goals to secure a 4-1 victory en route to clinching the global title.
For under-fire Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Tuesday’s Champions League tie could prove to be a defining juncture amid mounting criticism following a string of disappointing results.
The Blues were condemned to a third defeat in four games on Saturday, when they fell to a 3-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion after giving up their first-half lead at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who sit eighth in the Premier League table with eight points from a possible 18, now turn their focus to the Champions League, where they kicked off the campaign with a 3-1 defeat against German powerhouse Bayern Munich on September 17.
Trending
Over in Portugal, Benfica maintained their impressive run of results in the new Primeira Liga term as they fought back from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente on Friday.
With that result, Mourinho’s men remain one of just two unbeaten sides in the league, having picked up five wins and two draws from their seven matches so far to sit third in the table, one point off first-placed Porto.
Like Chelsea, Benfica were left empty-handed in their Champions League opener on September 16, when they fell to a shock 3-2 home loss at the hands of Qarabag.
Chelsea vs Benfica Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- Chelsea and Benfica are no strangers to one another, with both sides going head-to-head on five different occasions since July 2017.
- The Blues, however, boast a 100% record against the Portuguese giants, winning each of the five meetings while scoring 10 goals and conceding three in that time.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in all but one of their last seven games at Stamford Bridge, picking up five wins and one draw since April 26.
- Benfica have lost just one of their last 17 competitive away matches, which came on June 28, when they were beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16.
Chelsea vs Benfica Prediction
While Benfica have put together a solid run of form this season, it has been a topsy-turvy start to the campaign for Chelsea, who have failed to win four of their last five games in all competitions. Benfica pose another tricky challenge for the Blues, but we predict they will make the most of their home advantage here to secure a much-needed victory.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Benfica
Chelsea vs Benfica Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Chelsea to win
Tip 2: Both sides to score - Yes (Both teams have scored in Chelsea’s last five matches)
Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have also been three or more goals scored in the Blues’ last five outings)
