The fixture carries added intrigue as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho makes his highly anticipated return to Stamford Bridge, this time at the helm of Benfica. It will be the first Champions League night at the Bridge in nearly two-and-a-half years, with both the stage and opposition piling pressure on Maresca’s side to deliver.

Chelsea’s recent form has left supporters frustrated. Since the latest international break, the Blues have registered just one win in five matches across all competitions—a narrow Carabao Cup victory over League One outfit Lincoln City. Defeats to Premier League opponents and a damaging loss to Bayern Munich in Europe have heightened scrutiny on Maresca, whose team is still seeking rhythm and consistency.

With expectations rising and the Champions League spotlight back on west London, tomorrow’s game against Benfica is more than just a group-stage fixture—it’s an opportunity for Chelsea to reassert themselves on the European stage. Maresca will use today’s press conference to address team news, tactical considerations, and his thoughts on facing Mourinho, who remains an iconic figure among Blues supporters.

Bobby Vincent was reporting live from Stamford Bridge, bringing real-time updates and every word from Maresca as Chelsea prepare for one of their biggest nights of the season so far.

Before Chelsea’s Champions League match, Jose Mourinho makes an unexpected Cole Palmer allegation.

As the new manager of Benfica, Jose Mourinho is playing against his former team after leading Chelsea to their first Premier League title in fifty years.

After a run of poor performances, Chelsea will view the forthcoming Champions League match as a must-win.

September 27th, Saturday, Premier League
Manchester 1|3 Brighton
Tuesday, September 23rd, Lincoln League Cup
1|2 Chelsea
Manchester United, Premier League, Saturday, September 20
2|1 Chelsea
September 17, Wednesday, UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich
3|1 Chelsea
Saturday, September 13th, Brentford 2|2 Chelsea Premier League
With only one victory in the previous five games, Enzo Maresca is under increasing pressure.

However, when he returns to Stamford Bridge, The Special One will be doing everything in his power to ensure Chelsea’s problems continue.

Mourinho has talked about one player’s absence and the impact he believes it will have ahead of the match.

Jose Mourinho discusses the absence of Cole Palmer.


Cole Palmer’s injury, which will keep him out for the next three weeks, was openly discussed by Mourinho, who is never afraid to voice his opinions. The Portuguese manager was questioned about Chelsea’s star player’s absence in a Daily Mail interview. “I’m happy with it,” he remarked. He is a terrific player. However, I believe they have a strong team, so it won’t be a problem for them if Cole Palmer isn’t playing.

“I’m in serious trouble if [Heorhiy] Sudakov or [Vangelis] Pavlidis don’t play. However, Chelsea has no issues.

You wouldn’t be too shocked if Mourinho’s assertion that Chelsea has the depth to handle it without the Englishman was a calculated move to keep his team as the underdog.

In actuality, Chelsea has had difficulty without Palmer. Naturally, dealing with his fitness difficulties has not been any easier as a result of the red cards.