Chelsea players celebrating victory over Benfica
By Richard Tega Enyeh
Chelsea have qualified for quarter-final after defeating 10-man Benfica 4-1 after extra time in a wild round of 16 match at the 2025 Club World Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina.
After Reece James had given Chelsea a 1-0 lead with a goal from a direct free kick, the match was suspended in the 86th minute for nearly two hours due to severe weather in the area.
Benfica equalised in stoppage time with a Angel Di Maria’s goal from the penalty spot after VAR spotted a handball by Malo Gusto.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second booking early in extra time. Chelsea retook the lead in the 108th minute as Christopher Nkunku finished off a scruffy rebound, before Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added late goals to wrap things up.
Wuth the defeat of Benfica, Chelsea have advanced to the quarter-final to face Palmeiras on Friday.
