LONDON – Chelsea claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge, but the performance once again highlighted that manager Enzo Maresca still has a long way to go before he can command the same respect and admiration once enjoyed by José Mourinho.
While Maresca has already delivered silverware in his short tenure, doubts persist among fans about whether his tactical approach is enough to revive Chelsea’s status among Europe’s elite.
Mourinho’s Legacy Still Looms Large
José Mourinho, now 62, was back in West London this week, and his presence once again reminded the Stamford Bridge faithful of the golden era he created. Mourinho won three Premier League titles during his two spells at the club (2004–2007 and 2013–2015), establishing Chelsea as a dominant force in English football.
The supporters made their feelings clear. Just minutes into the match, chants of “Mourinho” rang out, while Maresca’s name remained absent from the terraces. The contrast underscored how difficult it is for any Chelsea manager to emerge from the “Special One’s” shadow.
The Match: Chelsea Edge Benfica
Chelsea secured the win thanks to an own goal in the 18th minute, when Alejandro Garnacho’s cross deflected off Richard Ríos and into the net.
- Pedro Neto was lively throughout, delivering the ball that created the goal.
- Moisés Caicedo controlled the midfield with composure.
- Garnacho showed flashes of brilliance before fading in the second half.
Despite these positives, Chelsea were far from convincing. Benfica nearly equalized when Dodi Lukebakio struck the post early on, and Fredrik Aursnes wasted a golden chance in the second half. The Portuguese side ensured it was a nervy night for the Blues, who had lost three of their previous four games before this match.
Given Chelsea’s opening defeat to Bayern Munich in the group stage, this victory was essential, even if it was far from pretty.
Maresca’s Challenges
To his credit, Maresca has faced difficult circumstances:
- Four first-choice center-backs are sidelined.
- Star creator Cole Palmer remains unavailable.
- Summer signing Liam Delap is injured.
- Forward João Pedro could only play 30 minutes before being sent off with two yellow cards.
As a result, Maresca fielded the youngest Champions League lineup in Chelsea’s history, with an average age of just 24. Collectively, his starting XI had only 42 Champions League appearances, compared to Mourinho’s 146 games as a coach in the competition.
After the match, Maresca admitted:
“Sometimes you need to learn to win in an ugly way. Tonight was important because the team showed fight, even with a red card. The Champions League is a journey, and we hope to grow with every game.”
Mourinho’s Return Sparks Nostalgia
Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was not just symbolic. Many former staff and current Chelsea officials sought him out for a brief reunion, underscoring the depth of his legacy. Even at 62, his charisma and showmanship remain intact.
He was handed a yellow card in stoppage time for protesting too passionately, a move that felt familiar to longtime fans. Earlier, he even stepped onto the pitch to collect the ball himself, reminding everyone of his unique ability to make himself the center of attention.
When asked about the occasion, Mourinho brushed it aside:
“I don’t live off memories. I live off victories.”
That mentality continues to separate him from his successors.
The Road Ahead for Chelsea
Maresca’s Chelsea are still a work in progress. Winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup were positive steps, but expectations at Stamford Bridge are much higher. Fans are not satisfied with grinding out narrow wins; they want dominant football, reminiscent of Mourinho’s ruthless sides.
Next up, Chelsea face Premier League champions Liverpool — a far sterner test that will further reveal whether Maresca’s tactical philosophy can truly compete at the highest level.
For now, the Italian coach has the result he needed, but his long-term future at Chelsea will depend on whether he can transform this expensively assembled squad into genuine contenders.
