Mourinho's Homecoming: Chelsea Hosts Benfica in Champions League Showdown

On September 30, 2025, Chelsea will host Benfica at Stamford Bridge in their first home Champions League match of the season. The Blues are looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in their previous European outing.

Adding intrigue to the clash is the presence of former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who recently took over the reins at Benfica following the sacking of Bruno Lage. Mourinho has already stoked the fires, criticizing his former club's "crazy" spending and claiming they had "lost direction" for a period.

Chelsea will be keen to right the wrongs of their recent defeats, having fallen to both Manchester United and Brighton in their last two Premier League games. However, the injury crisis plaguing the Blues could hamper their chances, with talisman Cole Palmer still sidelined and key defenders Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo also ruled out.

Despite their troubles, Chelsea should still be heavy favorites to claim all three points against a Benfica side that has its own injury concerns. The Premier League outfit will be eager to get one over on Mourinho and secure a much-needed victory in the Champions League.