Chelsea v Benfica player ratings
Chelsea got the first win of their Champions League campaign, beating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player.
Robert Sanchez: 6
Little bit hesitant over high balls into the six yard box from bouts of early Benfica pressure. No real saves of note required with the visitors approach play gradually lacking a substantial edge in the Chelsea penalty area.
Marc Cucurella: 6
Combative and assertive in the first half, the defender got forward at will – albeit not as often as normal – as Chelsea grew in confidence following their goal.
Benoit Badiashile: 7
Settled after a nervy start when the Portuguese giants threatened to score. Robust and alert when required for long spells.
Trevoh Chalobah: 7
Allowed Benfica raider Dodi Lukebakio to get the better of him in early stages. Improved thereafter and showed his usual authority at the heart of the Blues’ rearguard.
Malo Gusto: 6
An unspectacular evening for Reece James’ deputy at right back, but aggressive when called upon. Had an easier second half as Jose Mourinho’s men failed to rise down their left side.
Moises Caicedo: 8
Relentless in midfield, where his passing was perfect and his work-rate outstanding.
Facundo Buonanotte: 5
A rare start and a chance to impress but failed to trouble Benfica in central areas. Replaced by Estevao on 53 minutes as Blues’ head coach Enzo Maresca opted to make an early change after the interval.
Alejandro Garnacho: 7
Contributed to Chelsea going in front after 18 minutes. The winger was unmarked and alert to turn Pedro Neto’s angled cross back into the danger area, where luckless Benfica midfielder Richard Rios could only manage to turn the ball into his own net. Lively before eventually making way for Jamie Gittens.
Enzo Fernandez: 7
The Blues’ captain found pockets of space to drive forward regularly, amid a hot reception from the fans of his former club. Tired a little towards the end of the game, but still a decent showing from the Argentine.
Pedro Neto: 7
Assisted for Chelsea’s goal by finding Garnacho with a precise cross from the right hand side immediately before the own goal. Very industrious and helped close down Benfica’s attacking potential down the left. The Blues’ best player on the night.
Tyrique George: 5
A quiet first half and could have possibly done better with a sight of goal at close range only for his effort to be thwarted by Eagles’ captain Nicolas Otamendi. No surprise when the attacker was eventually replaced.
Estevao: 7
The young Brazilian came on early in the second half as Chelsea needed some zest in the final third and flanks. Went close with a header in the 78th minute which was well saved by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoily Trubin.
Jamie Gittens: 5
Replaced Garnacho in the 61st minute as part of a double substitution from Maresca. Another who was a bit below par in a workmanlike night for Chelsea.
Joao Pedro: 4
Squeezed a lot in after coming on for George in 61 minutes. Failed to carve out any significant chances against a physical Benfica backline before being sent off at the climax for a second bookable offence.
