Richard Rios’ own goal spoils José Mourinho’s Chelsea homecoming

Champions League football returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time in 895 days, as Chelsea welcomed José Mourinho back to the Bridge with Benfica on Tuesday night, with Richard Rios’ own goal being the difference.

Enzo Maresca made five changes to the side that lost 3-1 to Brighton on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte both starting.

The Blues started strong as Enzo Fernandez’s shot went just wide inside the opening three minutes of the game.

Robert Sanchez was called to action at the other end, denying Dodi Lukebakio from close range minutes later.

In the 17th minute, Pedro Neto got the chance to give the host the lead from 20 yards out, but his low, powerful shot could not find the back of the net.

A minute later, Neto delivered an inswinging cross into the box for Garnacho to meet, who volleyed back across the six-yard box but was diverted into his own goal by Richard Rios.

The Blues got chances to double their lead before the breakthrough by Benoit Badiashile and Tyrique George, but Maresca’s men could not beat Anatoliy Trubin.

In the 59th minute, Chelsea broke free on a counter, but Garnacho saw his effort blast over the bar from range.

Maresca made three attacking substitutions in search of the second goal, with Estevao, Jamie Gittens and João Pedro all coming on.

Estevao soon got a chance minutes after his arrival when his header from Enzo’s cross was saved from close range.

In the closing stages of the game, João Pedro saw red after he received a second yellow card for a high boot offence, becoming Chelsea’s third red card in four matches.

The Blues are currently in 17th place in the Champions League standings, with Ajax next in the UCL on October 22.

They host Premier League champions Liverpool in their next game on Saturday evening before the international break.