Chelsea secured a much-needed Champions League victory on Tuesday night with a narrow 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge. While the result came courtesy of an own goal, it was the performance of winger Pedro Neto that stole the spotlight. Former Chelsea star Joe Cole hailed him as the standout performer by a wide margin, labeling the Portuguese international an “unsung hero” in the Blues’ lineup.
Neto Named Standout in Tense European Clash
Despite the game’s lack of fireworks, Pedro Neto lit up Stamford Bridge with a lively and consistent display down the flank. Analysts Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves were unanimous in their praise for the 23-year-old, who played a key role in Chelsea’s attacking efforts throughout the match.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole said, “Neto has been brilliant — the unsung hero of this Chelsea side. He’s always positive and consistent. He’s fast becoming a fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge and was by far Chelsea’s best player tonight.”
Hargreaves echoed the sentiment, adding, “He makes things happen. He’s explosive, quick, and the most dangerous player on the pitch. For me, he was the star of the show.”
Chelsea Grind Out Result as Pressure Eases on Maresca
Heading into the match, Chelsea had just one win in their last five games across all competitions. The pressure was beginning to mount on manager Enzo Maresca, making this fixture critical for morale and momentum. A fortuitous own goal from Benfica defender Richard Rios proved to be the difference on the night, but Chelsea’s performance was anything but dominant.
The Portuguese visitors had several opportunities to level the score but were ultimately wasteful in front of goal. A late red card for Joao Pedro further tilted the balance in Chelsea’s favour, allowing the home side to hang on for three vital points.
Pedro Neto Reflects on the Team’s Effort
After the match, Neto spoke to reporters about Chelsea’s determination and improved resilience.
“We understood the difficulties we had in the first game and tried to address them,” he said. “Today, the team showed real fight. We could have controlled the game better in parts, but what matters most is the three points.”
The win places Chelsea back on track in their Champions League campaign, ahead of a crucial domestic clash against Liverpool this weekend.
Garnacho Shows Promise but Overshadowed
Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer, also made a start against Benfica. While the young winger contributed to the build-up leading to the goal, pundit Ally McCoist felt he was overshadowed by Neto’s brilliance.
“Garnacho was decent and had his moments,” McCoist noted. “He played a part in the goal, but Neto was the standout. He really was terrific.”
Result Matters More Than the Performance
While the overall display was far from Chelsea’s best, the consensus among pundits was that the three points were all that mattered.
“It was all about the result,” said McCoist. “Chelsea needed to win — not necessarily impress — and they did just enough. Benfica had chances, but didn’t take them. That’s football.”
