10-MenChelsea Defeats Benfica On Jose Mourinho Return To Stamford Bridge—-Jose Mourinho’s latest return to Stamford Bridge ends sour as Chelsea defeat ex manager in a match where Richard Rios owngoal wins it for the host, defeating Benfica 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) to extend the Special One’s winless managerial H2H streak against the Blues to eight games (D3, L5).
Coming into this game unbeaten as Benfica boss (W2, D1), Mourinho oversaw a strong start from his side, with Dodi Lukébakio’s low strike requiring an intervention from Robert Sánchez to push it onto the foot of the post.
Chelsea eventually responded to the visitors’ positivity, almost breaking the deadlock when Pedro Neto fizzed a bouncing ball narrowly wide of the upright.
Undeterred, the winger soon provided a whipped cross to the back post, where Alejandro Garnacho guided the ball back across goal, prompting Richard Ríos to inadvertently divert it into his own net.
Having settled into the contest, the Blues nearly doubled their lead ahead of the HT break, as makeshift striker Tyrique George latched onto a Marc Cucurella ball, but couldn’t beat Anatoliy Trubin with only his second touch in the box thus far.
Benfica started the second period as they did the first, threatening the home side on a couple of occasions as Fredrik Aursnes found himself in promising positions, only to be flagged offside on both occasions. Clear-cut chances weren’t forthcoming, though, which suited the Blues as they kept the visitors at bay heading into the final 20 minutes.
Despite a triple change from Mourinho in an effort to shake things up, Chelsea were the side who came closest to finding the game’s second goal when substitute Estêvão forced a strong hand from Trubin with a header.
After red cards in back-to-back Premier League games, Chelsea were once again reduced to 10 men here as João Pedro was dismissed for a second yellow in stoppage time.
Nonetheless, the Blues saw out the game to get them off the mark in this season’s UCL campaign and maintain their perfect record against Benfica, having now won each of their five meetings.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese giants are without a win in their last nine games against English opponents (D3, L6) and remain without a point in the league phase thanks to their disappointing collapse to Qarabağ on matchday one.
Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
He shared this news via his social media handles.
Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.
As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.
Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.
In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.
Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.
According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.
The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.
Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.
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