Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League win over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica on Tuesday (September 30) marked their first European win of the season, and just their second across all competitions this month.
Maresca’s side secured all three points thanks to an own goal from midfielder Richard Rios following some good play from Pedro Neto.
Benfica had plenty of chances to get something from the game, but the Italian insists his side continue to improve.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "The effort was very good. First half I think we were better compared to the second half in the way we managed the ball and created chances. Second half we dropped.
"In the last two three games we have conceded two, three goals and it's not possible to do that. We need to be better defensively but a clean sheet is nice."
When asked about Joao Pedro’s late red card, he added: "A good thing is we are improving, and we can win with 10 players. But I think he did not touch on the second one but the dynamic of it is that it was dangerous.
"For us it is a journey that started this season and game after game, we get better."