Champions League 2025/2026: Chelsea-Benfica, the likely lineups

Chelsea–Benfica take the field at 9 p.m. for a match valid for the second day of the Champions League championship stage. Maresca’s Blues are expected to react after the sudden collapse in the league and the loss to Bayern on their debut in the competition. Benfica also needs to redeem itself after its home defeat to Qarabag: there is anticipation for Mourinho’s return to Champions.

Delap central point, Estevao, Joao Pedro and Neto are the trequartisti for Chelsea. In the midfield are Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The Londoners have always won against the Eagles in official matches.

Mourinho against his former team relies on Pavlidis in attack. In the three-quarter are Aursnes, Sudakov, Akturkoglu. In action on the flank are Dedic and Dahl.

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Chelsea-Benfica, the likely lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto; Delap. All: Maresca
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Sudakov, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis. All: Mourinho