Own goal gives Chelsea Champions League win over Mourinho’s Benfica

Chelsea 1

Rios (OG, 18′)

Benfica 0

An own goal by Richard Rios gave Chelsea the first win of their Champions League campaign.

It was a frustrating return to Stamford Bridge for Benfica’s former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, whose side caused the hosts plenty of problems.

The result leaves Chelsea with a win and a defeat from two league-stage games.

They ended the match with 10 men after Joao Pedro, on as a substitute, was sent off in the final moments after his high boot connected with Leandro Barreiro and earned him a second yellow card.

Chelsea, who will be without the suspended Joao Pedro for their next European match, against Ajax, went ahead after 18 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho stretched to direct Pedro Neto’s ball to the far post back towards goal and, in trying to prevent Enzo Fernandez scoring with a tap-in, Rios thumped into his own net.

It came after Benfica had looked dangerous – Dodi Lukebakio’s low strike was pushed onto the post by Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez and Rios missed a great chance shortly afterwards, shooting tamely at Sanchez.

Former Manchester City man Nicolas Otamendi also shot straight at Sanchez late on as Benfica searched in vain for an equaliser.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto (James 81), Chalobah, Badiashile (Acheampong 81), Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Buonanotte (Estêvão 54), Garnacho (Gittens 61); George (Joao Pedro 61).
Subs not used: Jorgensen, Merrick, Hato, Lavia, Walsh, Guiu.