Chelsea vs Benfica Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Champions League, 2025

Chelsea vs Benfica Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Champions League 2025/26
• Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
• Kick-off Timing: 19:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea are desperate to get their first win of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League when they host a rejuvenated Benfica side on Tuesday evening. The Chelsea vs Benfica clash will take place at Stamford Bridge and should be a thrilling one as the two teams fight for three crucial points. Here is our Chelsea vs Benfica preview.

For Chelsea, the 2025/26 season has spiralled into a really troublesome scenario. The Blues have won only one of their last five competitive matches, which includes two straight losses in the Premier League that have left them in 8th place in the table, as Chelsea fight to get out of this frustrating scenario. Benfica have won two of their three matches since Jose Mourinho took up the managerial role and are in third place in the Liga Portugal table with 17 points from seven games. Mourinho now aims to get his first major win with a statement performance against Chelsea.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is missing quite a few injuries. The likes of Cole Palmer (groin), Liam Delap (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), Wesley Fofana (head), and Dario Essugo (thigh) are all unavailable for the game.

Benfica Team News

Jose Mourinho will be missing a few players too. The likes of Alexander Bah (knee), Manu Silva (knee), and Bruma (ankle) are all out of action.

Chelsea vs Benfica Predicted Lineups

Here we look at the Chelsea vs Benfica predicted lineups.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

Defenders: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro

Benfica Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin

Defenders: Amar Dedic, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl

Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Rios, Georgiy Sudakov

Forwards: Dodi Lukebakio, Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis

Chelsea vs Benfica Head-to-Head Record

There have been four matches to have taken place between these two sides. out of that, Chelsea have won four games and Benfica have failed to get a win. Their most recent clash took place at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which the Blues won in extra time.

Key Players to Watch in Chelsea vs Benfica

Joao Pedro (Chelsea)

Joao Pedro has arguably been Chelsea's most dangerous attacker at the start of the 2025/26 season, having scored two goals in the Premier League by overperforming his 1.50 xG (expected) and provided three assists. The Brazilian forward will need to amp up his efficiency, as he'll need to be smart with his off-the-ball runs and take up his chances clinically to help Chelsea get a big win in their European clash.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

Vangelis Pavlidis has had an impressive start in the Liga Portugal, scoring five goals but underperforming his 6.10 xG (expected goals). He is yet to score in the Champions League and aims to be a menace for the defenders with his clever link-up play and unpredictable movement. He'll look to be in the right places at the right times to outwit the defenders, but needs to be at his clinical best in putting away chances efficiently to raise his side's chances of winning.

Chelsea vs Benfica Prediction

Because of Chelsea's shaky recent form, Benfica will be fancying their chances of getting a positive result. Mourinho will look to trouble his former side by shaping his side up to be defensively sturdy and then hitting them on quick counterattacks.

With Chelsea desperate to get a win, this should be a thrilling clash with back-to-back action with a lot of chances. However, Chelsea's sheer strength in numbers and home-field advantage should help them grind out a narrow win. Here is our Chelsea vs Benfica prediction.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica

Where to watch Chelsea vs Benfica Live?

Here we look at where to watch Chelsea vs Benfica in key regions around the globe.