In the first half, Chelsea looked tired and jaded, although they only been back in pre-season for less than two weeks, whereas Benfica who were playing their third pre-season game looked the much sharper and could have easily been two goals clear at half-time. Cech was forced to make a couple of smart saves before being replaced at half-time by the 2nd best 'keeper in the Premiership, Carlo Cudicini. Almost immediately Carlo saved well and Chelsea kept their lead intact from an unfortunate own goal from Benfica's Rocha who glided a sweet Arjen Robben cross past a stranded Quim to give Chelsea an undeserved half-time lead.

Jose rung the changes at half-time. On came JT, Carlo, Claude, Crespo, Duff and the team started to resemble the side that won the Premiership so convincingly for the first time in 50 years last season.

New signing Del Horno hit a sweet 30 yard free-kick which smashed off the bar, hit the keeper on the hands before bouncing away for a corner. Crespo came close to touching in Chelsea's second at the far post but was just a little of the pace.

All in all JM must have been pleased with the performance and the effort that the players showed and the crowd of nearly 50,000 were appreciative of both teams efforts but the home team's fans must have been disappointed that new manager Ronald Koeman couldn't put one over JM and his Champions of England team Chelsea.