Chelsea Beats Benfica 4-1 in Dramatic Club World Cup Clash
Chelsea has secured their spot in the Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals after defeating Benfica 4-1 in a thrilling and chaotic match in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match at Bank of America Stadium was anything but ordinary, lasting over four and a half hours due to severe weather delays. This victory not only sends Chelsea to the next round but also demonstrates their resilience under pressure.
Reece James Strikes First, Then Chaos Ensues
The drama began when Reece James opened the scoring for Chelsea with a stunning direct free-kick in the 64th minute. It was a moment of brilliance that showed why James is such a valuable player for the Blues. However, in the 86th minute, lightning within a 10-mile radius forced players off the pitch. The game was suspended for nearly two hours, testing the patience and stamina of players, coaches, and fans alike.
Read more about the delay of the match
Benfica Equalize After Weather Delay
After the delay, the game resumed in high tension. As the match approached full time, VAR spotted a handball by Malo Gusto, resulting in a penalty kick for Benfica. Ángel Di María, in what may be his last appearance for the Portuguese club, calmly converted the spot-kick to level the match 1-1 deep into stoppage time. The goal pushed the game into extra time, turning an already dramatic contest into a marathon.
Extra Time Drama and Red Card
Early in extra time, the momentum shifted when Gianluca Prestianni received his second yellow card, reducing Benfica to 10 men. The numerical advantage quickly paid off for Chelsea. In the 108th minute, Christopher Nkunku pounced on a loose ball to restore Chelsea’s lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations and marked a turning point in the contest.
Late Goals Seal the Deal
Chelsea took full control in the final moments of extra time. Pedro Neto extended the lead after a slick counter-attack, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a fourth with a beautiful chipped finish. It was a clinical display from a team that looked shaken just an hour before. The final score was a commanding 4-1, sending a clear message to their future opponents.
Chelsea will now face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Fans React to the Epic Clash
Football fans across the globe shared their reactions on social media:
- Caicedo: “We were focused the whole game. So happy we did it.”
- Maresca: “I’m very proud. The performance was top. Better to talk about the team, not the referee.”
- Bobby K.: “Planned on a few beers… now I’m hammered!”
The weather delay, while frustrating, added an unforgettable twist to a memorable game.
Upcoming Fixtures at the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup action continues with more knockout ties:
Today:
- PSG vs Inter Miami – 12pm ET
- Flamengo vs Bayern Munich – 4pm ET
Monday:
- Inter vs Fluminense – 3pm ET
- Manchester City vs Al Hilal – 9pm ET
Tuesday:
- Real Madrid vs Juventus – 3pm ET
- Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey – 9pm ET
These games will decide who joins Chelsea and Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
What’s Next for Chelsea in the Club World Cup
Chelsea now shifts their focus to Palmeiras. With momentum building and key players in form—such as James, Nkunku, and Palmer—the Blues are eyeing the semi-finals. Coach Enzo Maresca emphasized the importance of rest and recovery, noting, “When it’s 85 minutes and five minutes to go, it’s difficult. But we stayed focused.”
Palmeiras will present a tough challenge, especially as the top team from Brazil. But Chelsea’s depth and recent performances suggest they are strong contenders to go even further.
Credit: Reporting based on The New York Times by Ed Mackey and Michael Dominski.
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