Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge cast a long shadow over his successors, a point underscored by Chelsea’s unconvincing 1-0 Champions League victory against Benfica on Tuesday.
While fans stood to serenade Mourinho in the opening minutes—the man who delivered three Premier League titles and instilled a ruthless streak that defined an era—they have yet to afford current manager Enzo Maresca the same affection. Supporters remain divided on Maresca, unconvinced that his brand of football can maximize the potential of their expensively assembled squad. The narrow, nervy win over Benfica will have done little to quiet the debate.
The game’s only goal came in the 18th minute when Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, following a sweeping pass from Pedro Neto, was deflected into the net for an own goal by Benfica’s Richard Ríos.
Despite the result, Chelsea’s performance was underwhelming. While Neto was lively and Moisés Caicedo influential in midfield, the team struggled for cohesion. Benfica posed a consistent threat, with Dodi Lukebakio striking the post early on and Fredrik Aursnes failing to convert a clear second-half chance. For a team that had lost three of its previous four matches, the victory was essential, even if it was ugly.
In Maresca’s defense, there were mitigating factors. He was without four centre-backs and key creator Cole Palmer. The lineup, with an average age of just 24, was the youngest in Chelsea’s Champions League history. Their challenge was compounded when João Pedro was sent off late in the game, marking Chelsea’s third red card in four matches.
“We needed the win for different reasons,” Maresca said afterward. “Sometimes you need to learn to win in an ugly way. At least we learn how to win a game with a red card.”
Mourinho, meanwhile, was a constant presence on the touchline. From his old vantage point in the dugout, he played the part of peacemaker when Benfica fans threw objects at former player Enzo Fernández, received a yellow card for protesting, and even entered the pitch late on to retrieve the ball.
“I don’t feed myself with these memories,” Mourinho stated. “I feed myself with victories.”
His sentiment captures the high standard he set at the club, a standard his successors have struggled to meet. For Maresca, the challenge of winning over the fanbase continues with a formidable opponent next: Premier League champions Liverpool.
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