$1,500
Jose Mourinho returns to his old stomping ground with Benfica for their Champions League league-phase clash against Chelsea. The 62-year-old enjoyed two trophy-laden spells in West London but he will be in the away dugout this time. Mourinho will guide the Portuguese giants in what will be his first UCL game with Benfica. Both sides enter the contest desperate to respond after opening-round defeats.
Chelsea’s European campaign began with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Cole Palmer’s strike was not enough to cancel out Harry Kane’s double and a Trevoh Chalobah own goal. Chalobah’s struggles continued in the Premier League at the weekend, where his red card proved costly in a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton. Enzo Maresca’s men have now lost three of their last four games in all competitions.
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Chelsea: -155, Benfica: +380 | Draw: +310 |
| Draw No Bet | Chelsea: -400 | Benfica: +250 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: -165 | Under 2.5: +115 |
| Chelsea to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +200 | No: +195 |
| Benfica to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +650 | No: +750 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
Benfica also endured a disastrous start to their group-stage journey. The Eagles squandered a 2-0 lead and ultimately lost 3-2 at home to Qarabag, a result that proved the final straw for former manager Bruno Lage. His departure paved the way for the return of Mourinho, who has steadied the ship in Portuguese Primeira Liga with two wins and a draw in his opening three Primeira Liga matches.
Notably, Benfica’s record against English opposition is dreadful and Mourinho will be desperate to change that. The Portuguese side are winless in their last seven encounters with Premier League clubs in UEFA competitions. Further, Benfica have lost all three of their previous competitive meetings with Chelsea, including the 2013 Europa League final.
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Chelsea games are wide-open right now: 1-3 vs Brighton, 2-1 at Lincoln, 1-2 at Man United and 1-3 at Bayern — four straight matches clearing 2.5. Benfica bring goals too: 2-1 vs Gil Vicente and 3-0 at AVS flanking that chaotic 2-3 vs Qarabag (three of their last four went over 2.5 goals). With both teams involved in high-scoring matches recently, this sets perfectly for another similar match at the Bridge.
Joao Pedro has quickly become a focal point in Chelsea’s attack since arriving in July. He showcased his quality at the Club World Cup with a brace against Fluminense and another goal in the final versus PSG, helping the Blues lift the trophy. Carrying that form into Premier League, the 24-year-old has already contributed two goals and three assists in five Premier League outings. With his sharp finishing and ability to create chances, Pedro offers strong value to get on the scoresheet once again.
Also Read: Rodri Injury Scare Raises Concerns for Manchester City
With Chelsea desperate to bounce back on the European stage and Benfica resurgent under Mourinho, the stage is set for a dramatic contest. Mourinho will relish the spotlight in his Chelsea return, but history and recent form suggest Stamford Bridge may once again prove an unhappy hunting ground for the Portuguese tactician.
Final Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
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