Ricardo Rios Own Goal Hands Chelsea Champions League Victory Over Mourinho’s Benfica

Key Takeaways:

• Chelsea secured a 1-0 win against Benfica at Stamford Bridge last night thanks to an own goal by Ricardo Rios in the 18th minute
• Joao Pedro was sent off for Chelsea with a second yellow card in the closing moments of the match
• The result marked Chelsea’s first Champions League win this season, while Benfica suffered their second consecutive group stage defeat

Match Overview

Chelsea claimed their maiden Champions League win of the campaign by edging Benfica 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, as an own goal by Ricardo Rios in the 18th minute proved decisive. The fixture was notable for the return of Jose Mourinho to West London, but the Portuguese manager endured a frustrating night as his new side left empty-handed. Conversely, the hosts put behind them their opening matchday defeat to Bayern Munich with a professional display, while Benfica slipped to a second straight loss following their shock defeat at home to Qarabag.

A big three points! 👏#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/E9ozLtzcmn

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 30, 2025

Key Moments and First Half Analysis

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side set a brisk tempo from the outset and pressed high against the Portuguese visitors. Nonetheless, it was Benfica who fashioned the game’s opening opportunity inside eight minutes – a defensive error allowed Dodi Lukebakio through on goal, his powerful effort thwarted at close range by Robert Sanchez before glancing off the post and out for a corner. The set piece prompted further confusion in Chelsea’s area, but the hosts survived the scare.

Soon after, Alejandro Garnacho found himself in space but fired well over, not troubling the Benfica goalkeeper. Richard Rios then threatened for the away side, finding himself with a sight of goal after fifteen minutes but directing a central shot straight at Sanchez. Chelsea responded swiftly: Pedro let fly from range, but could not find the target. The Londoners’ sustained spell of pressure bore fruit in the 18th minute when Neto delivered a precise pass to Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho managed to drive a dangerous low cross into the box as he slipped, which ricocheted off the unfortunate Ricardo Rios and into his own net.

Benfica almost responded instantly. Lukebakio surged down the flank and squared for Pavlidis, only for the forward to be rapidly closed down. Chelsea maintained their advantage, with Maresca’s side dictating play for much of the first half. In the 38th minute, Marc Cucurella unleashed a sharp drive, keeping Trubin alert, before the Benfica goalkeeper misjudged a back pass but hurriedly cleared the danger just before the ball crossed his line. Tensions rose as fans in the Benfica section threw objects at Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez during the resultant corner, prompting Jose Mourinho to intervene and restore order.

Approaching half-time, Benoit Badiashile squandered a promising headed opportunity and Tyrique George saw his shot denied by Trubin as Chelsea sought to double their advantage.

Second Half: Benfica’s Missed Opportunities and Late Drama

Benfica began the second period with renewed intent. Pavlidis set up Fredrik Aursnes, but Sanchez was equal to the Norwegian’s attempt – the flag was soon raised for offside. Minutes later, Sudakov slid another probing ball to Aursnes behind the Chelsea defence, and again Sanchez saved smartly with his feet. There was controversy just before the hour mark, as the visitors appealed for a penalty when Lukebakio collided with Fernandez near the edge of the box, but the referee remained unmoved.

Antonio Silva produced a vital clearance in the 69th minute to prevent an imminent Chelsea chance. The closing stages saw the introduction of Joao Pedro, who was quickly booked for a heavy challenge on Nicolas Otamendi. Substitute Estevao was then denied by Trubin after meeting a cross from Enzo Fernandez. Aursnes found space once more in the 83rd minute, but Reece James intervened to foil the Norwegian.

Despite late Benfica pressure, the Chelsea defence stood firm. In the dying seconds, Joao Pedro’s foul earned him a second caution and subsequent red card, reducing Chelsea to ten men. The Blues closed out the match to secure all three points, recording a vital victory to keep their European hopes alive, while Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge concluded in disappointment.

Match Statistics