Chelsea beat Benfica in the Champions League: how Maresca's team overcame Mourinho.

According to The Sun: Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca showed Jose Mourinho that a new authority has emerged in the team. The club earned its first three points in the Champions League this season.

After a shaky start, when Chelsea barely avoided conceding to Richard Rios of Benfica, the Colombian player turned into the author of a bizarre own goal that opened the scoring.

An ideal cross from Pedro Neto was blocked by Alejandro Garnacho, and Rios could not avoid the own goal that gave the team the advantage.

It is worth noting that Mourinho's return promised drama. He walked along the sidelines, urging his fans not to throw objects at former Benfica player Enzo Fernandez before halftime.

Both coaches made substitutions after the break; however, neither managed to increase the tempo and add another goal in a gradually intensifying match.

This is unlikely to trouble Maresca, as he can rejoice in a clean sheet, three points, a victory over Mourinho, and the absence of red cards.

Player ratings by Lloyd Canfield

ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5

For Robert Sanchez, the evening turned out to be rather calm; he rarely got involved in the game. However, his passes from the backline proved noticeably unsuccessful in the first half.

MALO GUSTO – 5

The fans were unhappy with Maresca's decision to start the match with Malo Gusto, but thankfully he justified the trust – Reece James got the chance to rest before the match against Liverpool this weekend. Gusto showed some hesitation with the ball, yet overall performed quite well defensively.

TREVOH CHALOBA – 5

Chalobah is going through a tough period at Chelsea and needed such a performance after the red card in the previous match.

BENOIT BADIASHILE – 7

This was his first start for Chelsea since the Club World Cup, and he showed a solid performance in defense.

MARC CUCURELLA – 6

An unsuccessful early return of the ball could have negative consequences, but he got lucky as Ukrainian player Dodi Lukaku hit the post.

FACUNDO BUONANOTTE – 4

Facundo remained virtually unnoticed on the field and was substituted at the beginning of the second half.

MOISES CAICEDO – 8

Caicedo, although questioned due to injury, again demonstrated a high level of play.

ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5

Fernandez faced hostility from Benfica fans, who booed him for every touch on the ball.

PEDRO NETO – 8

He constantly threatened the goal, exhibiting skill in passes and becoming a key figure in Chelsea's attack.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 4

Mitchell, playing in an unusual position for himself, appeared ineffective and needs more experience.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6

Garnacho made an important contribution to the goal but became less noticeable on the field after that.

SUBSTITUTIONS

ESTEBAN (replaced Buonanotte, 54) – 6

Almost scored but often did not receive the ball. However, he demonstrated his potential.

JOAO PEDRO (replaced George, 61) – 3

Pedro did not leave a noticeable impression and received a red card.

JAMIE HITTENS (replaced Garnacho, 61) – 4

Ran around, yet did not add significant moments to the game.

REECE JAMES (replaced Gusto, 80) – 6

Made an important defensive play after coming on.

JOSH ACHEAMPONG (replaced Badiashile, 80) – 5

Did not have significant moments in the game.

The victory over Benfica marked an important milestone for Chelsea as the team adapts to new challenges in the Champions League. This will boost the players' and the coach's confidence, as many tough matches await them where character will need to be demonstrated.

The match, in which Chelsea managed to secure a victory, also emphasizes the importance of Maresca's work and his team, which is starting to emerge from the shadow of a difficult start to the season. Now momentum will play an important role in the club's future performances.