In a Club World Cup match unlike any other, Chelsea Football Club secured a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Portuguese giants Benfica in a last-16 clash that unfolded over more than four hours and included a nearly two-hour suspension due to extreme weather. The encounter, held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, tested both teams’ resilience and mental fortitude in a grueling contest of endurance, tactics, and sheer willpower.
From a moment of brilliance by Reece James to a late equalizer by Ángel Di María, and a flurry of goals in the dying minutes of extra time, the match had it all. Chelsea now advances to the quarter-finals, where a showdown with South American champions Palmeiras awaits in Philadelphia.
And breathe. Up the Chels!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/7E60FQv7mC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2025
Chelsea vs Benfica: A Night That Defied Convention
The match began with high expectations, featuring two European heavyweights in unfamiliar territory. Chelsea, representing the Premier League, approached the fixture with a strong starting lineup and clear tactical intentions—control possession, break down Benfica’s defensive block, and assert their dominance early.
The first half, however, was a tense affair with few clear-cut opportunities. Benfica’s disciplined shape and physical midfield made it difficult for Chelsea to create significant chances. Christopher Nkunku, operating between the lines, showed glimpses of his creativity, but Benfica’s backline remained organized and alert.
It was not until the 64th minute that the deadlock was broken. Chelsea were awarded a free kick on the right side of the box, and Reece James stepped up to deliver a stunning strike, curling the ball low and inside the near post past a rooted goalkeeper. It was a moment of individual brilliance that looked likely to seal the win.
But football, as ever, thrives on unpredictability.
Weather Interrupts the Flow of Play of Chelsea vs Benfica
With just four minutes left in regulation time, nature intervened. Thunderstorms rolled into Charlotte, and match officials were forced to suspend the game due to safety concerns. Players, coaches, and fans endured a long and anxious wait as lightning and torrential rain delayed proceedings for nearly two hours.
When play resumed, momentum shifted dramatically. Benfica, previously stifled in attack, struck almost immediately. In the 94th minute, the Portuguese side were awarded a penalty after a Chelsea defender handled the ball in the area. Ángel Di María—playing his final match for Benfica—converted from the spot with characteristic composure, leveling the score at 1-1.
The goal galvanized Benfica, and Chelsea were momentarily stunned. What had appeared to be a routine victory suddenly turned into a high-stakes battle of attrition.
Extra Time: Chelsea Turns Up the Heat
The dramatic nature of the match only intensified during extra time. Just moments into the added period, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni received his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Levi Colwill. The dismissal reduced Benfica to ten men and tilted the balance decisively in Chelsea’s favor.
It took time for Chelsea to capitalize, but the breakthrough came in the 111th minute. Christopher Nkunku, who had threatened all evening, finally found the net. A deft run into the box was matched by an incisive pass from Dewsbury-Hall, and Nkunku slotted home with precision.
That goal opened the floodgates. Pedro Neto added Chelsea’s third just six minutes later, finishing a sharp counterattack with clinical accuracy. In the final minute of extra time, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall—already pivotal in midfield—sealed the victory with a composed strike following a clever one-two on the edge of the area.
Tactical Mastery and Squad Depth Shine Through
Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, deserves credit for navigating the chaos of the evening with tactical clarity. His substitutions—particularly the introductions of Neto and Dewsbury-Hall—provided the energy and directness needed to break Benfica down in extra time.
Reece James, deployed as a hybrid right-back and inverted midfielder, was central to Chelsea’s transitional play. His defensive leadership and technical excellence set the tone, and his opening goal was a fitting reward.
Benfica, meanwhile, were tactically disciplined but ultimately undone by fatigue, the red card, and limited bench depth. Ángel Di María, in his final outing, displayed class and leadership, but his efforts were insufficient against a fresher, deeper Chelsea side.
Chelsea Player Performances: Heroes and Concerns
Several Chelsea players stood out under pressure. Reece James was imperious, controlling tempo and leading by example. Nkunku’s movement and goal-scoring instinct were vital, while Dewsbury-Hall delivered a complete midfield performance, capped by a goal and assist.
However, the match also raised concerns for Chelsea. Benoît Badiashile suffered a late injury and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches—his availability for the quarter-finals now in serious doubt. Moisés Caicedo picked up his second yellow card of the tournament, triggering an automatic suspension and depriving Chelsea of their midfield linchpin for the upcoming clash against Palmeiras.
Benfica’s standout was Di María, who brought elegance and vision to the final third. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin also made several key saves during the first 90 minutes. But the sending-off of Prestianni proved fatal to their chances, marking a turning point from which the Portuguese side could not recover.
The Atmosphere: A Tale of Two Halves
Despite the high stakes and big names, the Bank of America Stadium saw a relatively modest crowd of just 25,929—a far cry from its 74,867 capacity. The extended delay and disjointed flow of the match created a surreal atmosphere, with fans alternating between frustration, anticipation, and jubilation.
The weather delay, while disruptive, became a defining feature of the match. It tested the adaptability of both squads, disrupted momentum, and forced players to re-engage mentally after a long period of inactivity. Chelsea’s ability to regain focus and elevate their performance underlined their championship mentality.
What Comes Next
With the win, Chelsea advances to the quarter-finals where they will face Palmeiras, a club that has consistently performed well in recent Club World Cups. The absence of Caicedo and the potential loss of Badiashile will force Pochettino to make key adjustments, especially in midfield and defense. Nonetheless, the depth and tactical versatility shown against Benfica suggest Chelsea remains a formidable contender.
For Benfica, elimination marks a disappointing end to their campaign, albeit in dramatic fashion. The exit of Ángel Di María closes a chapter for the club, and focus will now turn to domestic priorities and the development of emerging talents like Prestianni, despite his red-card misstep.
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Onto the quarter-finals. 👊 pic.twitter.com/IAE0A632TV
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2025
Conclusion
Chelsea’s 4-1 triumph over Benfica was more than just a football match—it was a test of endurance, strategy, and psychological strength. Faced with unprecedented challenges, the Blues not only survived but thrived, delivering a performance that showcased their character and ambition. As they move forward in the Club World Cup, their resilience in Charlotte may very well serve as the defining moment in their quest for international glory.
