Chelsea vs Benfica: Chelsea Down 10-Man Benfica to Reach Club World Cup Quarters
The Club World Cup 2025 served up an electrifying spectacle as Chelsea stormed into the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over a gritty Benfica side in Charlotte, USA. In a game full of drama, weather disruptions, red cards, and extra-time fireworks, Chelsea emerged as clear winners, displaying both resilience and ruthless finishing power. Chelsea vs Benfica
Held at the Bank of America Stadium, this high-voltage clash was not just a football match but a test of composure, adaptability, and championship character. Chelsea vs Benfica
⚡ James Leads by Example: Captain’s Free-Kick Opens the Scoring
For much of the match, both teams wrestled for control in midfield. But in the 64th minute, Reece James reminded the world why he’s considered one of the top full-backs in world football. Awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, the Chelsea captain produced a moment of magic. His shot curled with precision into the top left corner, giving Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin no chance. Chelsea vs Benfica
James’ goal not only broke the deadlock but also energized Chelsea’s attack. Manager Enzo Maresca, who has placed his faith in James’ leadership this season, lauded the performance: Chelsea vs Benfica
“Reece stepped up when we needed him most. His leadership, calmness, and technical excellence were the difference tonight.”
⛈️ Lightning Delay Shakes Up the Match Flow
Just five minutes before full time, nature intervened. A lightning storm hovered over Charlotte, triggering the stadium’s safety protocols. The referee halted play, sending players and officials to the dressing rooms while fans were temporarily evacuated from open seating areas. Chelsea vs Benfica
The delay lasted nearly two hours — a mentally grueling period for both sides. Coaches had to reassess tactics while players worked to stay warm and focused. When the game resumed, it was far from business as usual.
🟥 Benfica Reduced to 10, Then Equalizes in Shocking Turn
The restart brought immediate chaos. Benfica’s young winger Gianluca Prestianni, already on a yellow card, received his second for a reckless foul — reducing the Portuguese side to ten men. Chelsea vs Benfica
Chelsea looked poised to close out the game, but football often defies logic.
In stoppage time, Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto was penalized for a handball in the box. Up stepped Ángel Di María, the veteran Argentine, who showed nerves of steel and smashed the ball past Djordje Petrović to make it 1-1, sending the game into extra-time. Chelsea vs Benfica
Benfica’s resilience, even with a numerical disadvantage, earned applause from neutrals.
🔥 Extra-Time Brilliance: Chelsea Unleash the Floodgates
As extra-time began, Chelsea upped the intensity. The tactical tweaks made by Enzo Maresca — bringing on fresher legs in midfield and widening the play — started to pay dividends. Chelsea vs Benfica
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In the 108th minute, Christopher Nkunku regained Chelsea’s lead. After Moises Caicedo’s initial shot was parried, Nkunku brilliantly chipped the rebound over defender Nicolás Otamendi and into the net.
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Pedro Neto added the third in the 114th minute after Caicedo threaded a superb pass through the defense. Neto slotted it calmly past Trubin to make it 3-1.
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The fourth and final blow came in the 117th minute, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall capping off a smooth team move orchestrated by Cole Palmer. The midfield dynamo picked his spot and rifled it home to seal the game at 4-1.
Chelsea’s explosive extra-time display highlighted their squad depth, fitness, and tactical flexibility.
🧠 Tactical Maturity Under Maresca
What stood out most was Chelsea’s ability to maintain composure amid adversity. From the weather delay to conceding a late equalizer, the Blues kept their structure and belief intact. Chelsea vs Benfica
Maresca, who took over managerial duties earlier in the season, credited his team’s mental resilience and depth:
“We faced difficult moments — from delays to a red card scenario to extra-time fatigue. But we kept believing. Every substitution made a difference. That’s the strength of this group.”
Players like Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall coming off the bench and making an impact underlined Chelsea’s versatility and readiness for high-pressure tournament football.
Up Next: Palmeiras Clash Awaits
Chelsea’s reward is a blockbuster quarter-final against Palmeiras, the Copa Libertadores champions. With Brazilian flair and European precision set to collide, this upcoming clash is one of the most anticipated matches of the Club World Cup. Chelsea vs Benfica
Palmeiras, known for their high pressing and technical play, will provide a different test altogether. But if Chelsea’s performance against Benfica is anything to go by, the Blues are peaking at the right time.
✅ Match Summary: Chelsea vs Benfica
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Final Score: Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (After Extra-Time)
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Scorers:
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Chelsea: Reece James (64′), Nkunku (108′), Neto (114′), Dewsbury-Hall (117′)
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Benfica: Ángel Di María (90+3’ pen)
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Red Card: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica, 90’)
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Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
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Weather Delay: 2 hours due to lightning
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