Chelsea don’t have long to lick their wounds after the 3-1 defeat to Brighton. The Blues are straight back into action on Tuesday, September 30, with a huge Champions League night at Stamford Bridge against Benfica — now led by none other than Jose Mourinho.

Enzo Maresca admitted the quick turnaround leaves little room for reflection but insists his players will be ready for the challenge.

“We have 72 hours and we go again. Fortunately, we have the game in three days, so it’s a matter of recovering energy and we will try to win on Tuesday,” the head coach said.

The Italian is staying positive, framing the packed schedule as an opportunity rather than a problem.

Chelsea’s last outing against Brighton may have ended in disappointment, but Maresca believes the Champions League stage provides the perfect platform for his side to respond.

Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge will naturally take centre stage, with the Portuguese manager set to bring his Benfica side to West London in what promises to be an emotionally charged night.

For Maresca and his squad, though, the focus is clear: recover quickly, regroup, and deliver a statement performance.

Chelsea fans will be hoping that the “72 hours” between fixtures proves enough to reset and re-energise a squad determined to bounce back.