Chelsea vs Benfica Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

Stamford Bridge gears up to welcome Jose Mourinho after a long time.

The Stamford Bridge Stadium in London gears up to host the second matchweek encounter of the UEFA Champions League between English giants Chelsea and Jose Mourinho-led SL Benfica.

The reigning world champions have now become a victim of the champions’ curse. Enzo Marseca’s men, who literally thrashed big teams in the FIFA Club World Cup, are now facing difficulty in finding a point. They suffered defeats recently against Bayern, Manchester United and Brighton.

FT.#CFC | #CHEBHA pic.twitter.com/QQiJ8BsIAP

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 27, 2025

Benfica saw a managerial overhaul after Jose Mourinho took over the reins in Lisbon. The Portuguese side are unbeaten domestically but lost their opening UCL game 3-2 against Qarabag. This game would witness Jose Mourinho’s return to the very fortress at Stamford Bridge where he had so many fond memories and tales of greatness and glory.

Kick-off:

• Location: London, UK
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Wednesday, October 1
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: Daniel Siebert
• VAR: In use

Players to Watch

Robert Sanchez (Chelsea)

The 27-year-old Spanish custodian has plied his trade with teams like Brighton and Hove Albion before making a move to London. He played a crucial role in helping the Blues win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup this year.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

The 26-year-old Greek striker has donned jerseys of teams like AZ Alkmaar, Borussia Dortmund and Bochum before making a move to Lisbon in 2024. He has even represented the Greece national team on several occasions and was part of the Benfica squad that won the Taca da Liga last season.

Match Facts

• The match will take place at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London
• Chelsea are coming after defeats to United, Bayern and Brighton
• Jose Mourinho recently took over the reins as Benfica coach

Chelsea vs Benfica: Betting Tips and Odds

• Chelsea to win the match – 4/7 with bet365
• Pedro Neto to score – 5/1 with unibet
• Chelsea 1-0 Benfica -15/2 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Chelsea will miss the services of Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer.

Benfica will miss the presence of Bruma.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 04

Chelsea won: 04

Benfica won: 00

Draws: 00

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; James, Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro

Benfica predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Trubin (GK); Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

Match Prediction

Despite Chelsea’s underwhelming start and a poor run, we expect them to make the most of their home advantage to win the game against Benfica.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Benfica

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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