Chelsea v Benfica player ratings - Robert Sanchez stands tall, Enzo Fernandez silences jeers on Jose Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge

For all the pre-match intrigue around Jose Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge return, the game itself unravelled in far less dramatic fashion. Chelsea weren’t slick, Benfica weren’t ruthless, and yet the outcome felt inevitable - Mourinho trudging down the tunnel with another defeat on his old patch. Here are the player ratings from an absorbing UEFA Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho's miserable record as an away manager at Stamford Bridge continued as his new Benfica side lost 1-0 to Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Richard's own goal, sparked by Alejandro Garnacho firing Pedro Neto's cross back into the mixer, proved the difference as a much-changed Blues side ran out winners in the UEFA Champions League.

Here are the player ratings from Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea player ratings

Robert Sanchez - 7 - What a difference one good game in the FIFA Club World Cup final makes. The Spaniard was arguably Chelsea's best player, making a smart stop in the first half onto his near post, then one-upping himself with a brilliant save early in the second period.

Malo Gusto - 6 - Was a little erratic with the ball, and was occasionally troubled by Heorhiy Sudakov, but overall he was reasonably solid - no small feat, given the lack of protection in front of him.

Trevoh Chalobah - 6 - Grew into the game after a nervy start, but was very much second best in his centre-back partnership.

Benoit Badiashile - 7 - Decent performance. Seems to have all the attributes to be a brilliant centre-back.

Marc Cucurella - 6 - Has such chaotic energy. He was a useful outlet going forward, particularly in the first half, but he was also found out defensively on a couple of occasions. Like Gusto, needed a bit more help.

Maresca jokes that Chelsea are 'improving' as they can now win 'with 10 players'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Pedro Neto - 7 - Was involved in the opening goal and looked dangerous cutting in from the right flank. But showed limited enthusiasm in putting in a shift inside his own half.

Moises Caicedo - 7 - A really impressive performance, even if it took him until the second half to realise his full-backs needed semi-permanent protection. Pretty handy on the ball too.

Facundo Buonanotte - 6 - A nuisance in the middle of the park, but not as impressive as Caicedo or Fernandez alongside him.

Enzo Fernandez - 7 - Got sat down by Richard in the first half, which seemed to spark him into life. Was a big presence in the Chelsea midfield, even as he copped plenty of flack from the Benfica fans.

Alejandro Garnacho - 6 - Was properly up for this. It was his cut-back that caused Richard to fire into his own net for the only goal of the game. But he faded as a force as the match wore on, ballooning a familiar shot over the bar shortly before being hooked on the hour.

Tyrique George - 5 - Found it tough out there. Lost in an unfamiliar role.

Watch: More red card woe for Chelsea as Pedro dismissed late on

Video credit: TNT Sports

Subs

Estevao - 6 - Got an enormous reception when he was introduced, and got the crowd excited with one jinking run, only to spark groans when his pass found a red shirt. Still, looks an exciting prospect for sure.

Joao Pedro - 4 - His biggest contribution was delaying the restart for at least a minute after being sent off for two yellows.

Jamie Gittens - 5 - Tough to make an impression as an attacker with limited minutes. But when he had a big opening, he held onto the ball when he should have passed.

Reece James - 6 - Made a crucial sliding block after being introduced late on.

Josh Acheampong - N/A

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