Chelsea FC beat Benfica 4-1 after extra time in a FIFA Club World Cup clash delayed by weather, booking a quarter-final spot against Palmeiras
Chelsea beat Benfica 4-1 in a high-stakes FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash, booking a place in the quarter-finals after a storm-delayed thriller in Charlotte.
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The English side faced an intense test against Portuguese giants Benfica at the Bank of America Stadium. Despite a weather suspension and a late penalty equaliser that sent the tie into extra time, Chelsea responded with three goals to seal the result.
The match opened with Chelsea on the front foot. Marc Cucurella led the early assault with two dangerous efforts inside the opening forty minutes, one of which was heroically cleared off the line.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin then produced a superb save to deny Cucurella before the break.
Captain Reece James finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards. His curling effort flew into the bottom corner, giving Chelsea a deserved lead and lifting their supporters into full voice.
As the game approached the final minutes, a thunderstorm warning forced FIFA officials to suspend the match in line with safety protocols. A two-hour delay disrupted momentum, and when play resumed, controversy followed.
In stoppage time, Malo Gusto was penalised for handball after a VAR review. Angel Di Maria stepped up and converted the resulting penalty in the 95th minute, levelling the match and forcing extra time.
Benfica’s hopes faded when Gianluca Prestianni was sent off early in the additional period for a second yellow card. Chelsea made the most of their advantage.
Christopher Nkunku scored in the 108th minute, smashing a rebound into the net to restore Chelsea’s lead.
Pedro Neto added a third goal seven minutes later, dancing through the defence before finishing precisely. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall then capped off the performance with a fourth, striking low into the bottom corner in the 117th minute.
“We knew we had to respond after the penalty,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. “The players showed incredible belief and commitment, especially in extra time.”
Chelsea’s dominance over Benfica continues, now five wins from five competitive meetings. Their next test comes against Brazilian champions Palmeiras, who narrowly edged past Botafogo.
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This pulsating encounter reinforced Chelsea’s credentials in the tournament and underlined their strength under pressure. From tactical discipline to clinical finishing, the Blues passed their first knockout test with flying colours.
