Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has cautioned his players about the dangers of picking up needless red cards after Joao Pedro’s dismissal in their Champions League clash with Benfica.

The Blues managed to hold on for a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, but the win was marred by yet another sending-off. Pedro, who came on as a substitute, was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time after just 30 minutes on the pitch.

The Brazilian forward has now become the third Chelsea player to be sent off in four games, following goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s red card against Manchester United and Trevoh Chalobah’s dismissal versus Brighton last weekend.

Maresca admitted he is not overly worried but urged his team to make smarter decisions in tense moments.

“So for me personally, there is not any concern or any issue,” the Italian coach said. “It’s just that in the moment probably you need to take a different decision and avoid this. Sometimes it’s better to concede the goal or the chance because then it’s eleven versus eleven and you have more minutes to play.”

The Chelsea boss will hope his side can cut down on disciplinary issues as they continue their Champions League campaign and fight to maintain momentum in the Premier League.