In a thrilling and chaotic Round of 16 encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea secured a 4-1 victory over Benfica after extra time at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 28, advancing to the quarter-finals. The match, which lasted over four hours due to a two-hour suspension caused by a lightning storm, showcased Chelsea’s resilience and depth as they overcame a late scare and a determined Benfica side to book a meeting with Palmeiras.
The game began with high anticipation, pitting two European heavyweights against each other in a clash that carried Champions League intensity. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, fielded a strong lineup featuring Robert Sanchez in goal, a backline of Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández anchoring the midfield. Up top, Liam Delap led the line, supported by Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke. Benfica, under Bruno Lage, countered with a robust squad, including goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, defenders Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi, and attacking threats like Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis.
The first half saw Chelsea dominate possession and create several chances, with Cucurella nearly breaking the deadlock, only to be denied by a superb save from Trubin. Despite their control, Chelsea struggled to penetrate Benfica’s resolute defense, and the score remained level at halftime. The Blues’ aggressive start contrasted with Benfica’s slower tempo, but the Portuguese side’s defensive organization kept them in the game.
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Reece James curled a stunning free kick into the net, sending the 25,929 fans into a frenzy. Chelsea appeared poised to close out the match, but with just five minutes remaining, a lightning storm forced referee to halt play. FIFA’s safety protocols, prompted by U.S. laws on outdoor sporting events, led to a two-hour delay as players and fans sought cover. The interruption disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm, and when play resumed, Benfica capitalized on a controversial moment. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, VAR spotted a handball by Malo Gusto, and Angel Di Maria calmly converted the penalty to level the score at 1-1, forcing extra time.
The momentum shifted dramatically early in extra time when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card, reducing the Eagles to ten men. Chelsea seized the opportunity, with Christopher Nkunku restoring their lead in the 108th minute, finishing a rebound after a swift move involving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Caicedo. The Blues’ dominance grew, and Pedro Neto added a third goal in the 114th minute, followed by Dewsbury-Hall’s strike three minutes later, sealing a 4-1 rout. Moises Caicedo, named the Superior Player of the Match, was instrumental but will miss the quarter-final due to a yellow card suspension.
The match was not without controversy. Chelsea players and Maresca expressed frustration over the handball decision, and the lengthy weather delay sparked debate about FIFA’s protocols, with some fans and pundits calling it a “joke.” Maresca later voiced concerns about the extreme heat and its impact on player preparation, noting the difficulty of training in such conditions. Despite these challenges, Chelsea’s depth and composure shone through, with substitutes like Nkunku making decisive contributions.
Benfica, making their first Club World Cup appearance, showed flashes of quality but struggled to match Chelsea’s intensity after the delay. Their earlier group-stage win over Bayern Munich had raised hopes, but the red card and Chelsea’s clinical finishing ended their tournament dreams. For Chelsea, the victory marked a historic moment as the first English club to reach the 2025 Club World Cup quarter-finals, maintaining their perfect record against Benfica, including the 2013 Europa League final.
The Blues now turn their attention to Palmeiras in Philadelphia on July 4, a matchup that promises another stern test. With a £9.5 million transfer windfall secured from the win, Chelsea’s momentum is building as they chase Club World Cup glory. For fans who endured the lengthy delay, the dramatic finish was a fitting reward, cementing this match as one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters.