Chelsea Face Mourinho's Benfica Amid Poor Form

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos are doubtful ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Benfica at Stamford Bridge. The club have lost their last two Premier League matches — both featured red cards — and Maresca admitted he does not believe the current squad is strong enough to compete simultaneously for domestic and European honours. Chelsea spent heavily in the summer on new signings including Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, raising expectations that have not yet been met. The match marks José Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge as Benfica manager; Mourinho has publicly backed Chelsea’s potential and reflected on his past Chelsea successes. Statistically Chelsea have won their previous competitive meetings with Benfica but arrive on a three-game Champions League losing streak, making the fixture pivotal for Maresca’s momentum.