Chelsea got their Champions League up and running with a 1-0 win over Benfica.
The only goal of the game came early on as Richard Rios scored an own goal which was assisted by a firm cross by Alejandro Garnacho.
Joao Pedro, the substitute, was sent off for the Blues for a second yellow card in stoppage time, but they held on to claim an important win.
Dom Smith was in attendance at Stamford Bridge to assess the Chelsea performances…
Robert Sanchez 6
Made an excellent save late in the first half. His distribution was good up until the final eight minutes when he became nervy and it showed.
Malo Gusto 5
Was caught out of position on a few occasions as Benfica sought to counter down his flank. Otherwise OK.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
Decent display at the back from the Englishman, who patrolled the backline well.
Benoit Badiashile 7
A very good showing from the Frenchman, brought back into the starting line-up due to injuries after an injury of his own. Passed and defended well, drawing plenty of applause from his manager.
Marc Cucurella 6
Played some poor passes in the opening exchanges but never stopped running and won some important blocks and tackles as Chelsea asserted their physical edge.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Skippered Chelsea against his former team and showed real leadership, misplacing passes early on but then improving his own game and keeping Chelsea ticking over.
Moises Caicedo 7
Won plenty of tackles, but did allow Benfica a little more freedom to counter than perhaps he would have liked.
Pedro Neto 6
Got through plenty of running but never quite found that fifth gear. Did almost score in the first half when cutting in and shooting just wide.
Facundo Buonanotte 5
A quiet display from the Argentine, who gave way after just 54 minutes as Maresca made a change and put Estevao on.
Alejandro Garnacho 6
It was another so-so performance from the former Manchester United man, but he registered his first goal involvement but setting up the Benfica own goal.
Tyrique George 4
Another ineffectual performance from the stand-in striker. Plenty were again left wondering why Marc Guiu had not been used.
Substitutes:
Estevao (Buonanotte, 54’) 6
Full of running once he came on, including one mazy burst which no one in red could stop.
Joao Pedro (George, 61’) 3
Dropped deep and managed to connect play but then got himself sent off for two bookings. Will serve a one-game suspension and miss the Ajax game.
Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 61’) 5
Was not particularly noticeable after coming on but made one poor miss-control.
Josh Acheampong (Badiashile, 80’) N/A
Reece James (Gusto, 80’) N/A
Not used: Jorgensen, Merrick, Hato, Guiu, Lavia, Walsh
