When Benfica visits Stamford Bridge this week, the Man in the other dugout will stir memories. Jose Mourinho returns to haunt Chelsea, but this time with Benfica. The Opta supercomputer leans toward a Chelsea win, giving them a 56.8 % chance, while Benfica hold 21.1 % odds of winning. A draw is slightly more likely than a Benfica victory.
Mourinho and His Troubled Record Against His Old Club
Mourinho has faced Chelsea 14 times in his career and won just 4 of those. He’s won none of his last 7 encounters. His home record at Stamford Bridge is poor. He only won once as an away manager there. It was with Inter back in 2010. Those stats suggest history doesn’t favor him.
Benfica’s Struggle vs English Sides
Benfica have failed to win in 8 straight games against English clubs. They’ve also not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 18 matches when facing English opposition. Their recent Champions League form is shaky: in their first match this season, they blew a two-goal lead and lost to Qarabag.
Mourinho and Chelsea’s Mix of Records and Challenges
Chelsea’s season has been inconsistent. They have just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their Champions League opener ended in a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, which is now the club’s longest losing run in the competition. But at home in UCL group stage matches, they have been solid: since 2019, they have not lost a home group match (7 wins and 4 draws).
Also worth noting: Chelsea are missing Cole Palmer, along with Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo through injury. Benfica will also be without winger Bruma, out with an Achilles issue.
Author’s Insight
This match is more than a group stage game—it’s a chapter in an old rivalry. Mourinho returns to Chelsea with stories and questions. Benfica might bring energy, but their record vs English sides hampers belief. Chelsea’s injuries hurt, yet their record at Stamford in Europe gives them confidence. I expect Chelsea to edge it—with a goal in the second half and enough grit to withstand pressure. Mourinho may stir memories, but this time Chelsea write the ending.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
