Stamford Bridge was buzzing as Chelsea welcomed Benfica in a high-stakes Champions League 2025 fixture. Fans expected the Blues to dominate, but Benfica had other plans.
First-Half Surprise
Chelsea looked sharp in the opening minutes with Raheem Sterling testing the goalkeeper early. However, Benfica stunned the home crowd when Ángel Di María rolled back the years, curling in a beauty to make it 1-0.
Chelsea’s Struggles
Despite heavy possession, Chelsea lacked finishing. Nicolas Jackson missed two golden chances, while Enzo Fernández was denied by the post against his former club. Benfica’s compact defense frustrated Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Sealing the Win
Benfica sealed victory in the 78th minute with a counter-attack goal from João Mário. Stamford Bridge fell silent as the visitors celebrated a famous 2-0 win.
Key Takeaways
- Chelsea dominated stats but couldn’t convert.
- Benfica’s veteran leadership (Di María, Mário) proved decisive.
- Stamford Bridge pressure continues to grow on Pochettino.
Final Word: Chelsea’s Champions League hopes take a big hit, while Benfica strengthen their reputation as giant-killers.