⚽ Chelsea Thrash Benfica 4–1 After Extra Time in FIFA Club World Cup Epic
In one of the most dramatic nights in Club World Cup history, Chelsea overcame Benfica 4–1 after extra time in Charlotte to book their place in the quarter-finals. The match, held under stormy skies, featured lightning delays, a VAR-awarded penalty, a red card, and a late attacking explosion by the Premier League giants.
Chelsea‘s win not only marked a huge moment in Enzo Maresca‘s young managerial career but also sent a strong warning to the rest of the teams in the FIFA Club World Cup.
🔵 First Half: Chelsea Dominates Without Breaking Through
From the start, Chelsea imposed themselves on the game. Controlling possession with precision, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández operated fluidly in midfield, while Cole Palmer drifted creatively between the lines. However, Benfica, led by veterans like Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, held their defensive structure well.
Chelsea created a couple of chances in the first half — most notably through Nicolas Jackson, whose shot was tipped away by Anatoliy Trubin. At the other end, Benfica threatened occasionally, but Djordje Petrovic remained untested. Despite Chelsea’s dominance, the first half ended goalless.
⚡ Second Half: Reece James Opens the Scoring
The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute. Chelsea captain Reece James stepped up for a free kick from a tight angle and produced a moment of brilliance. The ball curled over the wall and dipped past Trubin at the near post. The goal sent Chelsea fans into ecstasy and gave the Blues the momentum they had been building towards.
Benfica attempted to respond by pushing higher, with Di María trying to dictate the play. But Chelsea held firm, showing the maturity and tactical balance that Maresca has begun to instill in his squad.
🌩 Lightning Delay Causes Chaos
Just five minutes from full time, chaos erupted — not on the pitch, but in the sky. A lightning storm in Charlotte forced the referee to suspend play. What followed was a surreal two-hour delay, with both teams returning to the dressing room and fans waiting under uncertainty. The match’s rhythm was broken, and it remained to be seen how both sides would respond.
When play resumed deep into stoppage time, Benfica looked energized.
⚖️ Benfica Equalizes via VAR Penalty
Moments after the restart, a VAR check confirmed that Malo Gusto had handled the ball inside the box. Benfica were awarded a penalty, and Ángel Di María — calm and composed — sent Petrovic the wrong way to level the match at 1–1.
For Chelsea, it was a gut punch. Their dominance had been undermined by weather, VAR, and a momentary lapse. With the match now tied, it headed into extra time.
⏱ Extra Time: Chelsea Unleashed
Just six minutes into extra time, Benfica were reduced to ten men. Gianluca Prestianni picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge and was sent off. It was the turning point.
Chelsea sensed blood and attacked with renewed urgency.
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In the 108th minute, Christopher Nkunku pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it past Trubin to make it 2–1.
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Six minutes later, Pedro Neto broke clear down the left and curled a shot into the far corner. 3–1 to Chelsea.
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Then came the knockout blow: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall capped a beautiful team move with a calm finish in the 117th minute.
Chelsea‘s quality and depth overwhelmed a tired and shorthanded Benfica side. By the end of extra time, the Blues were cruising.
🌟 Standout Performers
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Reece James – Captain’s performance, scoring a world-class free-kick and leading from the back.
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Moises Caicedo – Controlled the midfield battle and was named Superior Player of the Match, though he’ll miss the next game due to suspension.
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Christopher Nkunku – Sharp and decisive off the bench.
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Pedro Neto & Dewsbury-Hall – Took full advantage of space created by Benfica’s red card.
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Ángel Di María – Showed class with his penalty and leadership, despite Benfica’s loss.
🧠 Tactical Masterclass from Maresca
Chelsea were well-drilled throughout the match. Maresca’s structure allowed the team to dominate possession and minimize risk. After the red card, he introduced fresh legs in attack, which proved decisive.
Benfica looked organized in normal time but lacked depth. Their approach was compact, trying to spring on counters. However, once reduced to ten men, they had no answer to Chelsea’s pace and power.
🎙️ Post-Match Reactions
Enzo Maresca:
“It’s difficult to play under these conditions — two-hour breaks are not football. But I’m proud of how Chelsea reacted.”
Ángel Di María:
“We showed heart. Benfica are proud of this performance, even if the result didn’t go our way.”
Reece James:
“These nights are why you dream of captaining Chelsea. We stayed focused and got the job done.”
📊 By the Numbers
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Chelsea: 62% possession, 17 shots, 7 on target, 4 goals
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Benfica: 38% possession, 9 shots, 3 on target, 1 goal
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Yellow Cards: Chelsea (3), Benfica (4)
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Red Cards: Benfica (1 – Prestianni)
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Minutes delayed: ~120