Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline: From Historic Clashes to Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Reunion

The Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline is one of those unique football stories that blends tradition, drama, and unforgettable encounters. Though not frequent opponents, the meetings between the two clubs have consistently delivered high stakes and iconic moments. From a charity friendly in the 1960s to a weather-interrupted thriller in 2025, this rivalry has grown into a captivating subplot in European football.

Early Encounters Between Chelsea and Benfica

The rivalry traces back to 7 October 1964, when Chelsea hosted Benfica in a charity friendly at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese giants triumphed 4–2, with José Torres netting a memorable hat-trick and José Augusto adding another. Chelsea striker Barry Bridges scored both goals for the Blues, but the night belonged to Benfica.

That match planted the seeds of what would later become a series of high-stakes European clashes.

Competitive Meetings: Champions League and Europa League

Chelsea and Benfica first crossed paths in competitive football during the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Chelsea edged both legs, winning 1–0 away in Lisbon and 2–1 at home in London, progressing to the semi-finals. The Blues would eventually lift the Champions League trophy that season.

Their paths met again in the 2013 Europa League Final in Amsterdam. Branislav Ivanović’s last-minute header secured a 2–1 victory for Chelsea, breaking Benfica hearts once more on the European stage.

The record remains clear: Chelsea have won every competitive clash with Benfica.

Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline at the 2025 Club World Cup

One of the most dramatic chapters in the Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline came in June 2025 during the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chelsea led 1–0 through Reece James when a violent lightning storm forced the referee to suspend the match with just minutes remaining. Fans were evacuated, and the game was halted for almost two hours.

When play resumed, Benfica earned a stoppage-time penalty, converted by Ángel Di María, forcing extra time. Chelsea responded emphatically, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealing a 4–1 win after extra time.

This extraordinary contest added a modern twist to the rivalry and reminded fans why their meetings rarely disappoint.

Mourinho’s Reunion in the Champions League

The Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline gained another layer of intrigue on 30 September 2025, when José Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as Benfica’s new manager. His appointment came after Bruno Lage’s dismissal following a shock defeat to Qarabag.

Mourinho, a legendary figure at Chelsea with three Premier League titles across two spells, did not shy away from his legacy. In the build-up, he declared himself “the biggest one” in Chelsea’s history.

The return sparked debates: could Mourinho inspire Benfica to finally break their losing record against Chelsea, or would the Blues maintain their dominance?

Why the Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline Matters

What makes this rivalry fascinating is not the frequency of games but the intensity and circumstances surrounding them:

• A charity friendly that showcased Benfica’s flair in the 1960s.

• Champions League and Europa League knockouts that shaped Chelsea’s European success.

• A Club World Cup clash remembered for both the weather chaos and Chelsea’s late flourish.

• Mourinho’s emotional and symbolic reunion at Stamford Bridge with Benfica.

Each match has carried meaning, either in silverware, history, or drama, keeping the Chelsea vs Benfica Timeline relevant and unforgettable for fans around the world.