Match story
- Chelsea created the clearer chances on xG (0.93 vs 0.85, Δ 0.08).
- Benfica fired more attempts (9 vs 8 shots).
- Chelsea held more of the ball (56% possession).
Chelsea defeated Benfica 1-0 in UEFA Champions League. The fixture is part of the League Stage - 2 stage in the 2025 season. D. Siebert officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Chelsea vs Benfica meeting in UEFA Champions League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Chelsea and Benfica. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
UEFA Champions LeagueRecorded meetings: 3 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Chelsea defeated Benfica 1-0 in UEFA Champions League. The fixture is part of the League Stage - 2 stage in the 2025 season. D. Siebert officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Chelsea vs Benfica meeting in UEFA Champions League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Chelsea and Benfica. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
UEFA Champions LeagueRecorded meetings: 3 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
A significant midfield overhaul is under way at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have departed the club. Tijjani Reijnders is set to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. So far, City have ...
After an injury-hit summer and a difficult second half of last season, Pulisic now has a fresh opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a coach who appears determined to get the best out of him. Christian Pulisic is heading into a pivotal new chapter at Milan, with Ruben Amorim already making it clear that the American remains central to his plans. After an injury-hit summer and a difficult second half of last season, Pulisic now has a fresh opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a coach who appears determined to get the best out of him. The 27-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut under Amorim, having missed much of preseason while recovering from the bone bruise and microfracture suffered during the United States’ World Cup defeat to Belgium. Yet rather than questioning Pulisic’s place in the squad, Amorim has repeatedly emphasized his belief in the forward and hinted at a role designed around his strengths. Pulisic’s versatility has always been one of his biggest assets. He has played on both wings, operated centrally and even featured as a false nine, but the Portuguese boss appears to have identified a specific position where he believes the American can be particularly dangerous. Speaking during Milan‘s preseason preparations, Amorim explained that he already knows how he wants to use the USMNT star. “I have a clear idea of where I want him [Pulisic] to play. Especially with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him. He can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line,” Amorim said. View this post on Instagram That points toward Pulisic playing as the left-sided No. 10 in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, operating behind the striker rather than staying permanently on the touchline. The position would allow him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, combine with the wing-back and attack spaces between defenders. Pulisic has already played in similar role The idea may actually feel familiar to Pulisic after his experience with the United States at the 2026 World Cup. Although officially listed as a winger, he frequently started from the left before moving into central areas, while the left-back provided width on the outside. That setup gave Pulisic freedom to receive the ball in dangerous positions and attack defenders from different angles. His best performance of the tournament came during the opening half against Paraguay, when he helped create two goals and completed four dribbles despite playing only 45 minutes. Christian Pulisic vs Paraguay 45 minutes played pic.twitter.com/1F5pq8XzHR— – (@heruarchives) June 13, 2026 Amorim’s system could therefore give Pulisic a similar platform at club level. The major difference is that he will have more freedom to operate centrally from the beginning rather than constantly being asked to function as a traditional winger. Amorim remains firmly behind the American The tactical plan comes at an important moment for Pulisic, who endured a frustrating second half of the previous campaign. After scoring 15 goals in his first Milan season and 17 in his second, his total dropped to 10 in 2025-26, while he failed to score for the club after December. His World Cup campaign then ended in disappointment, with injuries restricting him before a second injury against Belgium forced him out of the tournament. Despite the criticism that followed, Amorim has made it clear that he does not believe Pulisic’s best days are behind him. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026. “Pulisic is a really talented player,” Amorim said. “I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him; he will be supported in our club.” The Milan manager added, “We believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us.”
With the Serie A opener against Torino approaching, the American forward's progress has become one of the biggest talking points around the club. Christian Pulisic has finally taken an important step toward returning to competitive soccer after an injury kept him out throughout Milan’s preseason preparations. With the Serie A opener against Torino approaching, the American forward’s progress has become one of the biggest talking points around the club. Pulisic has spent the past several weeks working away from the main group after suffering a serious setback during the 2026 World Cup. Now, with the new campaign only days away, there is growing optimism that he could have a role to play sooner than initially expected. Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and microfracture to the right tibia and fibula during the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. The injury occurred following a strange collision, and although he attempted to continue playing, he eventually had to leave the match. After the game, Pulisic explained what happened in his own words, saying, “I twisted my ankle and my knee in one play.” The injury forced him into a lengthy rehabilitation plan and ruled him out of Milan‘s entire preseason schedule. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium The 27-year-old had continued his recovery at Milanello while the rest of the squad travelled for preseason commitments in Australia and Indonesia. His return to the training complex also allowed him to begin working toward a comeback under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Pulisic returns to group training The biggest development arrived on Tuesday, August 18, when Pulisic completed the opening portion of Milan’s team training session with his teammates. MilanNews reported that the American was able to participate in part of the session, marking a significant milestone 41 days after suffering the injury. That development immediately raised the possibility of Pulisic being involved when Milan travels to face Torino on Sunday. View this post on Instagram While his return to full fitness is still being managed carefully, the forward is now much closer to competitive action than he was only a few weeks ago. Earlier reports had suggested that the American was targeting a return toward the end of August, with the Torino fixture viewed as an ambitious target. Could Pulisic feature against Torino? The latest developments suggest Pulisic now has a realistic chance of being included in Milan’s squad for the Serie A opener against Il Toro on Sunday, August 23. His partial return to team training is an encouraging sign, although the club will have to determine whether he is physically ready for competitive minutes. Even if he makes the squad, however, a starting role is considered highly unlikely after such a long period without competitive soccer. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match. The priority will be avoiding another setback after such a long rehabilitation process. Even a short appearance from the bench would represent meaningful progress for Pulisic and give Amorim another attacking option as the Rossoneri begin the new Serie A campaign. For now, the expectation is that Pulisic will continue his personalized work alongside his gradual integration with the squad. His return is getting closer, and the Torino match could provide the first opportunity for Milan fans to see their American star back in action.
Right-back worked with Matthias Jaissle at RB SalzburgGuglielmo Vicario completes loan move to JuventusThe chance to be reunited with Matthias Jaissle convinced Amar Dedic to swap Benfica for Newcastle in a £29.5m transfer. Dedic becomes Newcastle’s sixth signing of a turbulent summer on Tyneside and the 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is likely to start at right‑back at home to Liverpool on Sunday.“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” said Dedic, who played for Newcastle’s new manager at RB Salzburg. “We know each other well; he knows what I can bring to the pitch and I’m really happy to play for him again. It’s a special feeling and a real honour to join Newcastle.” Continue reading...
Everton will go into the 2026-27 Premier League season without a recognised right-back as the club continue to hold out for their first choice in this summer transfer window. The Toffees have been searching for a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman for over a year. Centre-back Jake O'Brien and midfielders James Garner and Merlin Rohl have all played there during that time, with Nathan Patterson out of favour.
That resulted in the attacking midfielder missing out on a place in England's World Cup squad, two years after he scored for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
A significant midfield overhaul is under way at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva and Rodri have departed the club. Tijjani Reijnders is set to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. So far, City have ...
After an injury-hit summer and a difficult second half of last season, Pulisic now has a fresh opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a coach who appears determined to get the best out of him. Christian Pulisic is heading into a pivotal new chapter at Milan, with Ruben Amorim already making it clear that the American remains central to his plans. After an injury-hit summer and a difficult second half of last season, Pulisic now has a fresh opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a coach who appears determined to get the best out of him. The 27-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut under Amorim, having missed much of preseason while recovering from the bone bruise and microfracture suffered during the United States’ World Cup defeat to Belgium. Yet rather than questioning Pulisic’s place in the squad, Amorim has repeatedly emphasized his belief in the forward and hinted at a role designed around his strengths. Pulisic’s versatility has always been one of his biggest assets. He has played on both wings, operated centrally and even featured as a false nine, but the Portuguese boss appears to have identified a specific position where he believes the American can be particularly dangerous. Speaking during Milan‘s preseason preparations, Amorim explained that he already knows how he wants to use the USMNT star. “I have a clear idea of where I want him [Pulisic] to play. Especially with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him. He can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line,” Amorim said. View this post on Instagram That points toward Pulisic playing as the left-sided No. 10 in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, operating behind the striker rather than staying permanently on the touchline. The position would allow him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, combine with the wing-back and attack spaces between defenders. Pulisic has already played in similar role The idea may actually feel familiar to Pulisic after his experience with the United States at the 2026 World Cup. Although officially listed as a winger, he frequently started from the left before moving into central areas, while the left-back provided width on the outside. That setup gave Pulisic freedom to receive the ball in dangerous positions and attack defenders from different angles. His best performance of the tournament came during the opening half against Paraguay, when he helped create two goals and completed four dribbles despite playing only 45 minutes. Christian Pulisic vs Paraguay 45 minutes played pic.twitter.com/1F5pq8XzHR— – (@heruarchives) June 13, 2026 Amorim’s system could therefore give Pulisic a similar platform at club level. The major difference is that he will have more freedom to operate centrally from the beginning rather than constantly being asked to function as a traditional winger. Amorim remains firmly behind the American The tactical plan comes at an important moment for Pulisic, who endured a frustrating second half of the previous campaign. After scoring 15 goals in his first Milan season and 17 in his second, his total dropped to 10 in 2025-26, while he failed to score for the club after December. His World Cup campaign then ended in disappointment, with injuries restricting him before a second injury against Belgium forced him out of the tournament. Despite the criticism that followed, Amorim has made it clear that he does not believe Pulisic’s best days are behind him. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026. “Pulisic is a really talented player,” Amorim said. “I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him; he will be supported in our club.” The Milan manager added, “We believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us.”
With the Serie A opener against Torino approaching, the American forward's progress has become one of the biggest talking points around the club. Christian Pulisic has finally taken an important step toward returning to competitive soccer after an injury kept him out throughout Milan’s preseason preparations. With the Serie A opener against Torino approaching, the American forward’s progress has become one of the biggest talking points around the club. Pulisic has spent the past several weeks working away from the main group after suffering a serious setback during the 2026 World Cup. Now, with the new campaign only days away, there is growing optimism that he could have a role to play sooner than initially expected. Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and microfracture to the right tibia and fibula during the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. The injury occurred following a strange collision, and although he attempted to continue playing, he eventually had to leave the match. After the game, Pulisic explained what happened in his own words, saying, “I twisted my ankle and my knee in one play.” The injury forced him into a lengthy rehabilitation plan and ruled him out of Milan‘s entire preseason schedule. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium The 27-year-old had continued his recovery at Milanello while the rest of the squad travelled for preseason commitments in Australia and Indonesia. His return to the training complex also allowed him to begin working toward a comeback under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Pulisic returns to group training The biggest development arrived on Tuesday, August 18, when Pulisic completed the opening portion of Milan’s team training session with his teammates. MilanNews reported that the American was able to participate in part of the session, marking a significant milestone 41 days after suffering the injury. That development immediately raised the possibility of Pulisic being involved when Milan travels to face Torino on Sunday. View this post on Instagram While his return to full fitness is still being managed carefully, the forward is now much closer to competitive action than he was only a few weeks ago. Earlier reports had suggested that the American was targeting a return toward the end of August, with the Torino fixture viewed as an ambitious target. Could Pulisic feature against Torino? The latest developments suggest Pulisic now has a realistic chance of being included in Milan’s squad for the Serie A opener against Il Toro on Sunday, August 23. His partial return to team training is an encouraging sign, although the club will have to determine whether he is physically ready for competitive minutes. Even if he makes the squad, however, a starting role is considered highly unlikely after such a long period without competitive soccer. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match. The priority will be avoiding another setback after such a long rehabilitation process. Even a short appearance from the bench would represent meaningful progress for Pulisic and give Amorim another attacking option as the Rossoneri begin the new Serie A campaign. For now, the expectation is that Pulisic will continue his personalized work alongside his gradual integration with the squad. His return is getting closer, and the Torino match could provide the first opportunity for Milan fans to see their American star back in action.
Right-back worked with Matthias Jaissle at RB SalzburgGuglielmo Vicario completes loan move to JuventusThe chance to be reunited with Matthias Jaissle convinced Amar Dedic to swap Benfica for Newcastle in a £29.5m transfer. Dedic becomes Newcastle’s sixth signing of a turbulent summer on Tyneside and the 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is likely to start at right‑back at home to Liverpool on Sunday.“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” said Dedic, who played for Newcastle’s new manager at RB Salzburg. “We know each other well; he knows what I can bring to the pitch and I’m really happy to play for him again. It’s a special feeling and a real honour to join Newcastle.” Continue reading...
Everton will go into the 2026-27 Premier League season without a recognised right-back as the club continue to hold out for their first choice in this summer transfer window. The Toffees have been searching for a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman for over a year. Centre-back Jake O'Brien and midfielders James Garner and Merlin Rohl have all played there during that time, with Nathan Patterson out of favour.
That resulted in the attacking midfielder missing out on a place in England's World Cup squad, two years after he scored for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
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