Chelsea vs Benfica Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 30/9/2025 – Champions League

After a two-year absence, Chelsea have returned to the Champions League with renewed ambition. Their fourth-place finish in last season’s Premier League secured qualification, while their Club World Cup triumph in the summer reinforced their credentials on the international stage. The 2025/26 campaign began with high expectations, but their opening European fixture ended in disappointment as they fell 3-1 away to Bayern Munich.

Domestically, Enzo Maresca’s side remain difficult to beat but inconsistent in performance. The Blues went unbeaten in their first four league matches, winning twice and drawing twice, before suffering their first setback with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. Last weekend’s clash with Brighton offered a chance to regain momentum ahead of their latest European assignment.

Benfica’s Turbulent Start to the Season

Benfica entered this year’s Champions League the hard way, navigating the qualifying rounds. They brushed aside Nice with a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory before edging past Fenerbahce 1-0 over two legs to secure a place in the group stage.

However, their campaign began in shocking fashion with a 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag, a result that cost head coach Bruno Lage his job. In response, the club turned to José Mourinho, hoping the “Special One” could steady the ship and bring European pedigree to the side. Early results under Mourinho have been mixed: a commanding 3-0 win over AFS followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Rio Ave. Going into this weekend’s clash with Gil Vicente, Benfica sit third in the Portuguese league, still chasing Porto and Sporting.

Team News and Key Players

Chelsea’s preparations have been hampered by a lengthy list of absentees. Summer signing Liam Delap and first-choice defender Levi Colwill are sidelined, while Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain long-term absentees. Deadline-day arrival Michael Olise was not registered for European competition, and winger Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve a suspension related to doping. Adding to Maresca’s frustration, Cole Palmer—who scored against Bayern—has recently been ruled out for three weeks.

Still, there is attacking quality available. Brazilian forward João Pedro has contributed two goals and three assists in the Premier League, while midfield pairing Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández have chipped in with goals and creativity, forming the spine of Maresca’s side.

Benfica, meanwhile, also face injury concerns. Defender Alexander Bah, midfielders Manu Silva and Nuno Félix, and winger Bruma are all unavailable. On the positive side, Belgian international Dodi Lukebakio has returned after missing the opening Champions League fixture, while striker Vangelis Pavlidis—who scored against Qarabag—remains a key threat with three league goals already this season. New signing Georgiy Sudakov has also settled quickly, finding the net twice in domestic competition. At the back, veteran captain Nicolás Otamendi partners rising star António Silva, providing a blend of experience and youthful energy.

What to Expect

Both sides bring attacking quality but also defensive vulnerabilities, raising expectations for a high-scoring contest. Chelsea’s recent European matches have consistently featured over 2.5 goals, while Benfica’s away fixtures in continental competition have produced similar results.

Maresca will demand a response from his players after the loss to Bayern, while Mourinho will look to prove his ability to inspire Benfica on the biggest stage. Chelsea’s home advantage and greater squad depth could tilt the balance, but Benfica’s attacking threats mean the game is unlikely to be straightforward.

Prediction

Given the recent form of both sides and their attacking approaches, goals should be expected at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, however, appear better placed to respond after their opening setback and have the quality to claim three points.

Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 1 Benfica