"Jose Mourinho suggested there are many Chelsea managers who live in his shadow, and Chelsea's unconvincing 1-0 win over Benfica offered a reminder of the work Enzo Maresca still must do to earn the same level of infatuation. It is a curious position for Maresca to be in to some extent. After all, he is a champion of Europe and the world after winning both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup in the last few months. And yet, as he noted the build-up to this game, the Chelsea fans do not sing Maresca's name, which Mourinho's return highlighted starkly."
"Chelsea won the game with the only goal coming on 18 minutes after Pedro Neto's sweeping ball found Alejandro Garnacho and the former Manchester United winger's cross was turned into his own net by Richard Ríos' own goal. Neto was lively, Moisés Caicedo was again heavily influential in midfield and Garnacho was bright before fading as the game wore on. But they were collectively unconvincing. Dodi Lukebakio struck the post early on and Fredrik Aursnes was unable to finish a promising second half move as Benfica made this a nervy evening for a team that had lost three of their previous four games."
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge but failed to win broad fan backing. Jose Mourinho received a warm reception from supporters early in the match, underscoring lingering attachment to his successful era. Maresca arrives with recent trophies, having won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, yet his name does not draw the same chants. The lone goal was an 18th-minute own goal after Pedro Neto's cross found Alejandro Garnacho. Neto and Moisés Caicedo were influential, but the team produced an overall unconvincing performance as Benfica created nervy moments.
Read at ESPN.com
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