Chelsea emerged victorious in a chaotic and thrilling round of 16 match at the 2025 Club World Cup, defeating 10-man Benfica 4-1 after extra time. The game, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, was marked by a dramatic weather delay and a flurry of late goals.
Reece James opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 64th minute with a stunning free-kick. However, the match took an unexpected turn in the 86th minute when severe weather forced a nearly two-hour suspension. Upon resumption, Benfica equalized in stoppage time through a penalty converted by Angel Di Maria after VAR identified a handball by Malo Gusto.
Benfica's hopes were further dashed early in extra time when Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card, reducing the team to 10 players. Chelsea capitalized on the advantage, with Christopher Nkunku scoring the go-ahead goal in the 108th minute. Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added late strikes to seal the victory, with Dewsbury-Hall's delicate chip standing out as a highlight.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was visibly elated during the match, particularly after Nkunku's crucial goal. The team now looks ahead to their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras, scheduled for Friday, July 4, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The match, which began in clear skies and ended under the cover of darkness, was a testament to Chelsea's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Fans and players alike will remember this wild encounter as a defining moment in their Club World Cup journey.
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