Jose Mourinho makes a dramatic return to Stamford Bridge tonight as Chelsea host Benfica in the Champions League.
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Both sides have stumbled out of the blocks in Europe this season, failing to pick up a win so far, which sets the stage for a crucial showdown in London.
With Mourinho back on familiar turf and both clubs desperate to kickstart their campaigns, this clash promises plenty of drama on and off the pitch.
Andorra vs England Key Information
• Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
• Kick-off time: 8:00 PM
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, United Kingdom
• Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)
• TV channels/Live stream: Amazon Prime Video (Gbr), Discovery+ App (Gbr), Discovery+ (Gbr), TNT Sports 1 (Gbr), TNT Sports Ultimate (Gbr), Virgin Media Player (Irl), Virgin Media Two (Irl), Virgin TV Go app (Gbr)
• Odds: Chelsea – 61/100 | Draw – 3/1 | Benfica – 17/4 (via bet365)
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s preparations for tonight’s Champions League clash come with their fair share of complications.
Enzo Maresca confirmed in his press briefing that Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos will undergo late fitness checks, and if Pedro fails to make it, youngster Tyrique George could be pushed into an unfamiliar role up front.
That uncertainty comes on top of an already concerning absentee list. Cole Palmer (groin), Levi Colwill (knee), Liam Delap (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (head) are all ruled out, while Mykhaylo Mudryk’s doping ban continues to keep him unavailable.
There is at least some encouragement for the Blues as Trevoh Chalobah’s domestic suspension does not affect European competition, and Facundo Buonanotte is free to return after being ineligible against his parent club Brighton at the weekend.
Chelsea expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho; Pedro
Benfica Team News
Benfica also make the trip to Stamford Bridge with problems of their own. Long-term absentees Manu Silva and Alexander Bah continue to recover from ACL injuries, while Bruma faces an even lengthier spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles, an issue that could rule him out until 2026.
Their options in attack are further stretched by the absence of teenage talent Gianluca Prestianni, who is currently away with Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
Even so, the Eagles can count on the form of Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek striker struck twice in the weekend win over Gil Vicente, taking his tally to seven goals across all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who was suspended domestically last time ou,t is available again for Mourinho’s men.
Benfica expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, A. Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
In the United Kingdom, Chelsea vs Benfica will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, Disovery+, TNT Sports, and Virgin Media at 8:00 PM
H2H Record
Chelsea boast a perfect record in this fixture, winning all four previous meetings with each win coming in knockout competitions. Most recently, the Blues ran out 4-1 winners over Benfica in the Club World Cup last 16 last summer, extending the Portuguese side’s winless streak against English clubs to eight games (D3, L5).
Odds for Chelsea and Benfica
Chelsea are overwhelming favourites for this match, priced at 61/100 for the win, while Andorra are 17/4 to pull off an upset. The draw is available at 3/1.
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.