Chelsea legend Joe Cole says Blues star left Benfica players ‘petrified’ in Champions League win

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Joe Cole was full of praise for how one Chelsea player left the Benfica players terrified in their Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues picked up their first win in Europe of the season with a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s side, despite plenty of key players missing from the starting side.

Alejandro Garnacho’s cross was put into his own goal by Richard Rios for the only goal of the game, with fellow winger Pedro Neto impressing greatly with his performance.

Joao Pedro was one of those who started on the bench, however he will miss the next game completely after being sent off minutes before the final whistle.

Benfica players were ‘petrified’ to play against Moises Caicedo

One area of the pitch Enzo Maresca didn’t rotate is midfield, with Moises Caicedo handed another start in the middle of the park.

The Ecuador international was at his brilliant best alongside Enzo Fernandez, with Cole waxing lyrical about his performance after the game.

He told TNT Sports: “I thought he was outstanding. Every time we watch him we’re blown away by him. He was just pickpocketing people. Mr Calm.

“They could not move. He was nicking it off them, he was finding passes, he was brilliant. It was getting to the point where the Benfica midfielders were receiving the ball and they were petrified. He was everywhere.”

Caicedo’s incredible stats vs Benfica

As well as his usual defensive masterclass, it was a near-faultless performance in possession from Caicedo too, who kept Chelsea ticking.

It is becoming very difficult for Enzo Maresca to drop Caicedo due to how important he is to the side, and even if he wanted to his ideal replacement is not available.

Dario Essugo is unavailable due to injury, while Andrey Santos is also set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an issue before the Benfica clash.