Alejandro Garnacho makes Ally McCoist eat his words with decisive action for Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho made Ally McCoist eat his words with his first goal contribution for Chelsea in the Champions League. The Argentine has had a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, falling asleep at the back post for Brentford's vital equaliser on his debut and he also failed to get on the pitch in the 2-1 away loss to his former team Manchester United.

Against Benfica, Blues boss Enzo Maresca deployed the Argentine in the starting eleven. Earlier in the first half, Garnacho was criticised for not making a run to the back post when Pedro Neto whipped in an impressive cross.

McCoist accused him of not having the desire to get on the end of a cross and instead preferring to hug the sidelines so he can have the ball at his feet. The Rangers legend had barely finished his original sentence before Garnacho proved him wrong.

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Neto cut onto his favoured left foot and floated another in-swinging cross to the back post. At the second attempt of asking, Garnacho charged onto the cross, slid in and cut the ball back across goal, causing Benfica defender Richard Rios to slice a clearance into his own net.

While Garnacho was not the one to stick the ball into the net himself, he does get credited with his first assist for the west Londoners. Perhaps even sweeter, he made McCoist eat his own words.

The TNT Sport co-commentator said: "I was critical of him 20 minutes ago when he was too far out and not in the position.

"That's exactly where he should be. There you go, perfect, cuts it back and the midfielder Rios has no chance."

It will be a huge boost to Garnacho, who was impressive in the first half against the Portuguese heavyweights. He forged a strong understanding with Marc Cucurella down the left-hand side, which may prove to be Maresca's long-term set-up for this campaign.

Before the clash, Maresca earmarked Garnacho as one player who he will be relying on in the Blues' Champions League campaign this season. The Italian said: "We have Garnacho and (Jamie) Gittens.

"Even though they are young, have already played in this competition. Joao Pedro has never played in this competition, but when he joined us he helped us win the Club World Cup, and Hato will be a top player for Chelsea.

"They are all talented players who are going to help the club and the team, and with more games they are going to be better and better."

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