Chelsea vs. Benfica: 7 Bold Predictions for Their Champions League 2nd Leg

Despite having to travel to Portugal, Chelsea came away with a win in their Champions League first leg.

Benfica played well, but the Blues proved to be too much as they scored the winner 15 minutes from time. Despite the risky picks for the starting XI, Chelsea were able to earn a victory while scoring an away goal in the same game.

Things look good for the Blues heading into the April 4th second leg, and I have seven bold predictions for that matchup at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres Will Be Man of the Match

Fernando Torres played extremely well in the first leg, and he will follow that up with a great second-leg performance.

Torres was a nightmare for the defense. He made dangerous runs, threatening passes and had a few chances at goal. He didn't get a goal himself, but he made a very nice pass to notch an assist on Chelsea's lone goal.

When the squads head back to the Bridge, expect Torres to take the match over. He was great in the first leg, but he will be even better in the second.

Assuming he starts, Torres will be the clear man of the match in the second leg.

Roberto Di Matteo Will Not Start Hugging Everyone in Sight

I loved watching Roberto Di Matteo's reaction to Chelsea's legendary win over Napoli.

However, I don't think we'll be treated to quite the same reaction if Chelsea win this match.

The Blues are the favorites, and their aggregate lead gives them the luxury of only needing a draw. While it's important for them to play straight up, Chelsea don't necessarily have to win this match.

Regardless, any sort of positive result will move the Blues into the Champions League semifinals. Despite that being a great feat, I think Di Matteo will be expecting the result, which will prompt a less extreme reaction out of him this time around.

There Will Be at Least 7 Yellow Cards, If Not More

Even though these two teams are relatively clean, this second leg could get chippy real quick.

Depending on the official, it is conceivable to think that more than a handful of players will be cautioned. Benfica will be desperately trying to score goals, and Chelsea will be willing to take them down to prevent good chances.

In return, frustrated Benfica players could very well start taking down Chelsea players.

I don't think this game will get out of hand, but it will definitely be chippy. Accordingly, don't be surprised when plenty of yellow cards are handed out.

Chelsea Will Keep Tempo Under Control

Despite many efforts from Benfica, Chelsea did a pretty good job managing the pace of the game.

Obviously there were times when things got a little hectic, but the Blues did a pretty good job of not getting into the fast-paced game that Benfica were looking to play. Instead, Roberto Di Matteo's side was comfortable defending and counter-attacking.

As difficult as that was, Chelsea will be able to do it again. The Blues are committed to defending, and they understand the magnitude of the upcoming match.

In the second leg, I fully expect the Blues to prevent Benfica from getting into a comfortable pace. Accordingly, Chelsea will be able to play their game while simultaneously taking Benfica out of theirs.

Fans Will Have Horrible Flashbacks

Before the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, fans will start to have some flashbacks to the 2008 competition.

As the game gets closer, these flashbacks of a broken John Terry will start to happen more and more frequently. When this happens, fans will start to psyche themselves out.

Just an FYI: Chelsea are a long ways from getting back to the final. They have some extremely tough matches ahead of them, and the final is still in the distant future.

Nevertheless, don't be surprised when people keep alluding to the disaster in 2008 as if it will happen again against Benfica.

Petr Cech Will Hold a Clean Sheet

For what will be the second straight Champions League match, Chelsea will prevent Benfica from scoring.

Even though the Portuguese side attacks extremely well and played well in the first leg, Stamford Bridge will be too tough of a place to get a goal. The backline is playing well, and Petr Cech is up to make just about any save.

Benfica will get their chances, but the Blues will hold tough. As Benfica get more and more desperate, their attacks will lose a little effectiveness, which will facilitate Chelsea's commitment to a clean sheet.

It Will Not Be Close

Even though Chelsea only managed a 1-0 win, they will win by an even bigger margin in the second leg.

In fact, the game won't even be close.

There is no reason why Paulo Feirrera should be anywhere near a Champions League quarterfinal. With 10 minutes left, Roberto Di Matteo felt more comfortable putting in Jose Bosingwa to defend the lead instead of leaving Feirrera in there. If that doesn't tell you the type of side Chelsea used, I don't know what will.

I expect Di Matteo to play a lineup similar to that of the Napoli win. If so, Chelsea will dominate.

Benfica are a good club, but they will run the risk of losing the second leg by three or four goals. Moreover, they will have to play extremely well just to avoid that.