The Blues were left frustrated yesterday as we were beaten by Brighton and Hove Albion. A dominant first-half performance was rewarded with a goal from Enzo Fernandez, and we went into the interval ahead.

However, a red card shown to Trevoh Chalobah for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second period changed the complexion of the contest. And Brighton made their man advantage count in the latter stages.

Danny Welbeck equalised for the visitors before Maxim De Cuyper put the Seagulls ahead in stoppage time. Welbeck then added a third to seal victory for the Seagulls.

Maresca highlighted the need for his side to stop giving 'presents' to the opposition in the form of game-changing mistakes, but was pleased with the first-half performance from his side. All that he felt was lacking was a second goal.

‘The frustration is there because we scored one and could’ve scored more than one,' he reflected. 'If we score the second one, even with ten players, it’s better to defend a two-goal lead. It’s a moment we’re giving away presents, and we cannot continue to do this.'

There will be very little time for the Blues to dwell on the defeat to Brighton as we return to Champions League action on Tuesday evening.

Benfica, now coached by Jose Mourinho, are the visitors to Stamford Bridge, and Maresca says he and his staff will use the time between the final whistle against Brighton and kick-off against the Portuguese giants to ensure his players are ready to bounce back.

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