Football React | Chelsea fans respond to win over Benfica

Chelsea 1 - 0 Benfica 

José Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment as Chelsea edged past his new club with a narrow Champions League win sealed by a first-half own goal. 

Author | Lewis W

Stadium | Stamford Bridge

View from behind the goal

Here are some of your comments that have been messaged to us on our social media platforms

It is clear that whilst many are happy with the win, several fans are concerned about the fairly sudden drop in performance levels.

Nicholas: The performance itself was secondary. After the defeat at Bayern Munich and back-to-back Premier League collapses, the priority was three points. That is what mattered and that is what they achieved.

Christopher: What has happened to discipline at this club? Joao Pedro managed to collect two bookings in just 35 minutes, leaving us a man down once again, and we then laboured to overcome a side like Benfica. 

Pre-match tifo

Stephen: This feels like the beginning of the end for Maresca. Injuries have been damaging but in an era when fast, direct football is making a return, his team continue to play slow, sideways and predictable football. Chelsea have good young players who need freedom to express themselves, not to be restrained.

Michael: Our inexperience really showed as the second half went on. We struggled to keep possession and gave Benfica encouragement, though fortunately they could not take advantage.

Jamie: Not the prettiest of wins but it was still a win. The late red card came too late to hurt us and Enzo Fernández was superb again, showing great composure under pressure. It was also good to see Mourinho back at Stamford Bridge.

Nicola: This result will give a young, inexperienced side plenty of belief in Europe, particularly against an opponent with far greater experience who looked intent on winding Chelsea players up. The referee did not help, with a harsh first booking for Pedro while turning a blind eye to several clear cases of simulation from Benfica.

Paul: We were fortunate it was a poor Benfica side. They had enough possession and chances to win. Pedro Neto had so much space on the right in the first half he could have grazed cattle there, yet no one in blue had the vision or quality to pick him out.

Peter: The defence was shaky and creativity was lacking without Cole Palmer. Neto was excellent, as was Marc Cucurella. Moisés Caicedo impressed and Enzo gave everything. But we were missing that incisive pass and link with the striker, not to mention another red card. Patience is needed though. With a fully fit squad this team could be dangerous.