Mansion Sports – A high-stakes and emotionally charged clash awaits midweek as Chelsea host Benfica at Stamford Bridge in the second matchday of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League group stage. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 20:00 local time.

Beyond the battle for crucial points, this fixture carries a sentimental storyline. Jose Mourinho, the man who once led Chelsea to eight trophies and earned the nickname The Special One, returns to Stamford Bridge—this time as Benfica’s head coach.

Chelsea: Under Pressure but Hoping for a Stamford Bridge Boost

Chelsea enter the match burdened by recent setbacks. In their Champions League opener, they suffered a 1-3 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. 

Despite Cole Palmer’s opening goal, Harry Kane’s brace and a Trevoh Chalobah own goal spoiled their start.

Their domestic form has offered little relief. Last weekend, the Blues endured another 1-3 loss, this time to Brighton in the Premier League. 

Chalobah once again found himself in the spotlight, with a red card triggering Brighton’s comeback. 

Three defeats in four games have significantly raised the pressure on manager Enzo Maresca and his squad.

Nevertheless, Stamford Bridge remains a source of hope. Chelsea have not lost a home match in the early stages of the Champions League since 2019. 

Backed by their supporters, the team will look to harness the stadium’s atmosphere despite a lengthy injury list limiting selection options.

Benfica: Mourinho Brings New Energy

Benfica also arrive under strain. In their first Champions League outing, they shockingly fell 2-3 to Qarabag after squandering a two-goal lead. That result ended Bruno Lage’s tenure, with Mourinho immediately appointed as his successor.

Since then, Benfica have recorded two wins and a draw in Mourinho’s opening three Primeira Liga matches, including a 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente. 

Still, their record against English clubs remains poor, with no wins in their last seven meetings against Premier League opposition and three defeats to Chelsea, notably in the 2013 Europa League final.

Much of Benfica’s current hope rests on striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who has already scored seven goals this season, including a brace against Gil Vicente. Additionally, the return of Enzo Barrenechea from suspension bolsters their midfield options.

Predicted Lineups Chelsea vs Benfica 2025

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defenders: Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella
• Defensive Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia
• Attacking Midfielders: Estevao, Facundo Buonanotte, Alejandro Garnacho
• Forward: Pedro
• Manager: Enzo Maresca

Chelsea face a serious selection crisis. Key players such as Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined through injury. 

Mykhaylo Mudryk is also unavailable due to a doping suspension. Even so, Chalobah is eligible for this match since his domestic red card does not apply in Europe, while Badiashile and Malo Gusto offer additional defensive stability.

Benfica (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Jusuf Dedić, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Casper Dahl
• Defensive Midfielders: Enzo Barrenechea, Joao Rios
• Attacking Midfielders: Dodi Lukebakio, Georgiy Sudakov, Andreas Schjelderup
• Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
• Manager: Jose Mourinho

Benfica also travel with absentees. Knee injuries keep Manu Silva and Alexander Bah sidelined, while Bruma faces a long-term layoff until 2026. 

Youngster Gianluca Prestianni is unavailable as he represents Argentina’s U-20 national team. Nevertheless, Mourinho will take comfort in Pavlidis’s outstanding form and Barrenechea’s timely return.

Conclusion

This match promises intensity and drama. Chelsea are desperate to reverse their poor form and take advantage of home support at Stamford Bridge, while Benfica arrive with renewed energy under Mourinho’s leadership.

With the predicted Chelsea vs Benfica lineups for 2025 showcasing both strengths and vulnerabilities, this could be one of the most intriguing encounters of the Champions League group stage.

So, do you see Chelsea capitalizing on their home advantage, or will Mourinho script a surprise with Benfica?