Date of Tips: 26/09/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:08 26/09/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Chelsea FC
v Sport Lisboa e Benfica 
Stamford Bridge
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
30-09-2025 19:00
Chelsea Form
SL Benfica Form
Date: 30/09/25
Kick-off time: 20:00 (UK)
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Champions League nights at the Bridge. Chelsea welcome Benfica in what should be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. The Blues are tipped by the bookies, but Benfica have traveled well in Europe over the last couple of years. And with Jose Mourinho back at Stamford Bridge, but this time in the opposite dugout, you couldn’t write the script any better.
So, will Chelsea keep their perfect record against Benfica, or is this the night history finally changes? Let’s take a closer look.
Chelsea are without striker Liam Delap (hamstring) and defender Levi Colwill (cruciate ligament), so that’s two certain absentees. Still, they’ve got more than enough attacking options. Expect to see the likes of Nkunku, Mudryk, and Palmer buzzing around up front, with Enzo Fernández pulling the strings in midfield.
Benfica’s list isn’t much better. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are out, which is a blow defensively. The real headline, though, is that Benfica sacked Bruno Lage after a shock loss to Qarabag — and replaced him with none other than Mourinho. Yep, the “Special One” is back at the Bridge, and you can bet the reception will be spicy.
Chelsea: Petrovic; James, Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Fernández, Caicedo; Palmer, Nkunku, Mudryk; Jackson
Benfica: Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Silva, Jurásek; Neves, Kokçu; Di María, Rafa Silva, Neres; Tengstedt
(Subject to late changes)
Here’s the thing: Chelsea have never lost to Benfica. In fact, they’ve won all four of their meetings. Twice in the Champions League back in 2012, once in the Europa League final in 2013, and then that 4-1 victory in extra time at the 2025 Club World Cup.
So yeah, history points one way — but football doesn’t always play by the rules, does it?
Here’s what I think… Chelsea win, but not without drama. Benfica always find a way to score on the road — they’ve netted in 15 of their last 17 away Champions League games. Chelsea have tightened up a bit at home, but they’re still more dangerous going forward than keeping clean sheets.
Chelsea are going to dominate the ball and push Benfica deep. Mourinho will set his side up to frustrate, but over 90 minutes, Chelsea’s quality should tell. Benfica might get one on the counter — Rafa Silva’s pace is a real threat — but the Blues’ attacking depth will likely be too much.
Match Prediction: Chelsea to win. Bet with bet365.
I’m leaning towards Chelsea 3-1 Benfica. It ticks every box: Chelsea’s attacking firepower, Benfica’s ability to grab one away from home, and Mourinho’s return being memorable, but not triumphant.
Correct Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Benfica. Bet with bet365.
The numbers point towards goals here. Chelsea have scored 2+ in most of their recent home European games, and Benfica rarely leave without finding the net. Over 2.5 feels like the safe option, but over 3.5 could land if Chelsea really click in attack.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a Chelsea vs Benfica combo I like:
That’s the attacking football special — and it looks tailor-made for this game.
Bet Builder Tip: Chelsea to win, Both Teams to Score, Joao Pedro Anytime Scorer, Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Chelsea are favourites and should edge it at Stamford Bridge.
We’re backing a 3-1 Chelsea win.
Yes. Benfica’s away record suggests they’ll nick a goal, but Chelsea should still win.
Kick-off is at 8pm UK time on 30th September.
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