In one of the most extraordinary matches in Club World Cup history, Chelsea overcame Portuguese giants Benfica 4-1 after extra time to book a place in the quarter-finals, following a dramatic game in Charlotte that included a weather delay, a late VAR-awarded penalty, and a flurry of goals deep into the night.
The match, originally scheduled to kick off at 4pm local time, concluded shortly before 9pm following an almost two-hour delay due to thunder, lightning, and severe weather. But the storm couldn’t stop the Blues from delivering one of their most resilient performances of the season.
James Breaks the Deadlock
Chelsea, dominant for large spells, finally found a breakthrough in the 64th minute through Reece James. After Cole Palmer earned a free-kick wide on the left, James intelligently whipped it toward the near post, wrong-footing Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin and giving the Blues a deserved lead.
The English side had created several chances prior to that, with Pedro Neto, Marc Cucurella, and Cole Palmer all testing the Benfica defence and their inspired goalkeeper. But despite Chelsea’s control, the drama was far from over.
Storm Delay and Late Benfica Equaliser
Just as the Blues appeared set for a regulation-time win, Mother Nature intervened. With minutes left to play, play was suspended due to a thunderstorm, and players were forced off the pitch for nearly two hours.
When play resumed, Benfica came out firing and were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a VAR check confirmed a handball by Malo Gusto. Veteran Ángel Di María converted from the spot to send the tie into extra time.
Nkunku Inspires in Extra Time
Reduced to 10 men early in extra time after Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second yellow, Benfica struggled to contain Chelsea’s intensity.
In the 108th minute, Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s lead after persistent pressure. Moises Caicedo started the move by winning possession and combining with Palmer. A scramble in the box saw Nkunku block Otamendi’s clearance and lift the ball into the net, sending Maresca and the entire Chelsea bench into wild celebrations.
Late Goals Seal Famous Win
With the momentum firmly back with the Blues, Chelsea added two more late goals to seal a remarkable win. Pedro Neto calmly slotted home a third after being played through by Caicedo. Then, substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall capped off the night by dinking the ball past Trubin in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Palmer.
The 4-1 win was a fitting end to a chaotic and unforgettable night of football in North Carolina.
Palmeiras Await in the Quarter-Final
Chelsea now move on to face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-final on July 4th in Philadelphia, with their eyes firmly set on the last four.
It was a performance that tested their patience, endurance, and mental strength—but in the end, the Blues emerged stronger and with momentum on their side.
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (AET)
Scorers: Reece James (64′), Christopher Nkunku (108′), Pedro Neto (114′), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (118′) | Ángel Di María (90+2′ pen)
Next Up: Palmeiras vs Chelsea — Club World Cup Quarter-Final, July 4th, Philadelphia.
