One of the games for Matchday Two of the Champions League League Phase takes place at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea, who is hosting Benfica.
Facts
- Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has managed Chelsea twice in the past (2004–2007 and 2013–2015), winning three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and one Community Shield with the Blues.
- The two teams met on June 28 in the Club World Cup. The match ended 1-1, with Chelsea winning 4-1 after extra time.
- That 1-1 was the first ever draw between them; previously, Chelsea had won all three meetings.
- Both Teams have scored in their last three head-to-head matches.
- Over 2.5 goals in four of Chelsea’s last five European games.
- BTTS: No + Under 2.5 in four of Benfica’s five Champions League matches this season (League Phase and qualifiers).
Betting Tip: Chelsea - Benfica
Both sides come into this fixture after opening defeats, but Benfica’s loss was particularly damaging and left them needing to make up ground. Chelsea, meanwhile, cannot afford to drop points at home.
Mourinho’s presence on the opposite bench adds intrigue. The heavy favouritism for Chelsea looks excessive. At better odds, Both Teams to Score is the preferred play.
- Recommendation: BTTS: Yes
- Odds: 1.67 (at the time of writing)
Chelsea
A disappointing display in their opening match of the League Phase. The Blues lost 3-1 away to Bayern Munich, but more concerning than the result was the performance.
Against a rival with similar ambitions, Chelsea looked second best, struggling to match Bayern’s tempo. Their play was far from the level shown at the Club World Cup, which they recently lifted.
They conceded an own goal (20’), Kane doubled the lead (27’), and though Palmer, who was their only standout performer, pulled one back (29’), Chelsea never truly reacted. Kane struck again (63’) to seal the 3-1 defeat.
Benfica
Benfica suffered the biggest shock of Matchday One, losing 3-2 at home to Qarabag despite leading 2-0 early on.
Barrenchea scored (6’) and Pavlidis added another (16’), giving the impression that the game was done. But Qarabag responded: they pulled one back (30’), equalised shortly after halftime (48’), and completed the stunning comeback late on (86’).
The loss led to coach Lage being sacked, with Jose Mourinho stepping in to take charge.
