"An own goal from Richard Rios proved to be the deciding factor between the two sides as they both struggled to find their rhythm, with the Blues picking up their first win of the Champions League campaign. Benfica had two great opportunities to take the lead, with Dodi Lukebakio striking the post before Rios shot straight at Robert Sanchez from close range, and Chelsea punished them soon after as Rios turned Alejandro Garnacho's cross into his own net."
"Data Debrief: Maresca trusts Chelsea youth in the big time Maresca opted to play George through the middle to start the match as he rotated his attack, with Chelsea accumulating 0.93 expected goals (xG) from eight shots to Benfica's 0.66 from the same number of attempts. The average age of Chelsea's starting lineup was exactly 24 years, their youngest-ever for a Champions League match, as the Italian coach's decision to trust in his younger players paid off."
"The hosts had a great chance to double their lead on the brink of half-time when Marc Cucurella picked out Tyrique George in the box, but the forward rushed his effort and could only poke it towards Anatoliy Trubin. It was a largely cagey second half, with both sides struggling to create chances as Chelsea looked to hit the visitors on the counter while defending their lead."
Jose Mourinho's Benfica lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after Richard Rios scored an own goal. Benfica had early chances, with Dodi Lukebakio hitting the post and Rios firing straight at Robert Sanchez. Chelsea's goal came when Rios turned Alejandro Garnacho's cross into his own net. Marc Cucurella set up Tyrique George before half-time, but George miskicked and could only direct the ball to Anatoliy Trubin. The second half was cagey, with few clear chances as Chelsea defended and countered. Benfica had a late header from Estevao saved, and Joao Pedro received a second yellow and was sent off.
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