Chelsea legend Joe Cole couldn’t hide his admiration after watching one Blues star dominate against Benfica in the Champions League. Speaking after the match, Cole revealed that the player’s performance was so commanding that the Benfica players looked absolutely ‘petrified’ every time he got on the ball
London, October 1, 2025 – In the wake of Chelsea’s gritty 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge – a result that snapped Enzo Maresca’s side’s three-game losing streak and spoiled José Mourinho’s emotional return – club legend Joe Cole reserved his highest praise for one Blues maestro who turned the Portuguese rearguard into a quivering mess. The scrappy win, courtesy of Richard Ríos’ 18th-minute own goal from Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected cross, was far from vintage, but Cole Palmer’s midfield dominance had the former England star gushing on TNT Sports: “Every time he got on the ball, the Benfica players looked absolutely petrified. They were backing off, second-guessing – it was like watching a predator in the wild.”
Palmer, the 23-year-old £40 million gem from Manchester City who has blossomed into Chelsea’s creative heartbeat since his 2023 switch, orchestrated proceedings with a blend of silk and steel that left Benfica’s engine room in tatters. The England international completed 92% of his 68 passes, including a pinpoint 40-yard diagonal that sparked the move for the opener, while nicking possession six times in midfield duels – more than any other player on the pitch. “Cole was everywhere,” Cole beamed post-match, his admiration spilling over in a segment that trended instantly on X. “He’s got that aura now. Benfica’s lads – João Mário, Florentino Luís – they couldn’t touch him. One look, and they’re petrified, frozen. That’s the mark of a top player; he doesn’t just play, he controls minds.
The performance was Palmer’s finest in Europe yet, eclipsing even his hat-trick heroics against Brighton last month. With key absentees like Reece James (hamstring) and Wesley Fofana (knee) sidelined, Palmer stepped up as the fulcrum, threading balls to wing threats Pedro Neto and Garnacho while shielding a makeshift backline that included the error-prone Marc Cucurella. Benfica, managed by Mourinho in his first Stamford Bridge visit since 2020, mustered 14 shots but zero on target, their blunt attack – led by Dodi Lukébakio’s wayward efforts – stifled by Palmer’s interceptions. The Special One, gracious in defeat, even quipped to Cole pre-match about the pundit’s glowing punditry: “You’re the best in history – I owe you a paycheck for all that love!” Yet, post-whistle, Mourinho’s Benfica slumped to 0-3 in the league phase, their fans jeering as Ríos’ gaffe proved decisive.
Chelsea’s night wasn’t flawless: substitute João Pedro’s late red card (two bookings in 12 minutes) marked the third dismissal in four games, drawing groans from the 40,000-strong crowd and a wry aside from Cole: “Discipline’s our Achilles’ heel – but nights like this? Palmer papers over the cracks.” Maresca, whose side dominated possession at 62% but lacked punch (just four shots on target), hailed his No. 10: “Cole’s composure under lights is elite. He dictates, he destroys – Benfica couldn’t breathe.” The Italian’s relief was palpable; defeats to Bayern Munich (2-1), Manchester United (1-0), and Brighton (3-1) had heaped pressure, but this result vaults Chelsea to 10th in the 36-team table, three points clear of the drop zone.”
