Chelsea striker Joao Pedro was sent off as the Blues defeated Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League, league phase to get off the mark in the European competition
Chelsea will head into their next Champions League fixture without forward Joao Pedro, who was shown a red card during their clash with Benfica on Tuesday night. The incident marked a turning point in what had been a tightly contested encounter.
The Blues made a strong start to the game and took the lead midway through the first half. Alejandro Garnacho created the breakthrough when he drove down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
Under pressure, Benfica defender Richard Rios failed to clear his lines, and the ball deflected into his own net, handing Chelsea a crucial advantage before the interval.
Following the break, the momentum shifted as Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side grew more confident and began pushing hard for an equaliser.
They applied consistent pressure on Chelsea’s back line, forcing the hosts to remain alert and disciplined in defence. The match became more balanced, with both sides battling for control in midfield and searching for decisive moments.
However, the game took a dramatic turn when Joao Pedro was dismissed. While attempting to bring the ball under control, the striker lifted his leg high, sparking immediate concern from the Benfica players.
Although it was unclear whether he made direct contact with Leandro Barreiro, the referee deemed the challenge reckless. Without hesitation, he brandished a second yellow card, reducing Chelsea to ten men.
Pedro appeared shocked by the decision and pleaded his innocence, but his protests did little to sway the referee’s ruling. The dismissal left Chelsea under added pressure in the closing stages, though they managed to hold firm despite Benfica’s late surge for a leveller.
With Pedro now suspended, Chelsea will need to reshuffle their attacking options as they look ahead to their upcoming European fixtures. His absence could prove costly, especially in a group that promises to remain fiercely competitive.