Chelsea Survive Storm and Shock to Thrash Benfica in Club World Cup Classic
Chelsea delivered a wild and memorable performance at the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday night, securing a 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals. The match was full of twists — including a stunning goal from Reece James, a nearly two-hour weather delay, a dramatic Angel Di Maria penalty equaliser, and an extra-time masterclass led by Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Reece James Opens the Floodgates
Before the chaos unfolded, Reece James gave Chelsea a deserved lead with a stunning free-kick in the second half. The Blues looked well on their way to a routine win until nature intervened.
Weather Delay Changes the Tempo
With just minutes left in regulation, severe weather forced officials to suspend play for 1 hour and 57 minutes. The stoppage turned the rhythm of the game on its head. Upon resumption, Benfica capitalised on the chaos. A late handball by Malo Gusto led to an Angel Di Maria penalty — his fourth goal of the tournament — leveling the match and sending it to extra time.
Nkunku, Neto & Dewsbury-Hall Seal the Deal
Extra time belonged solely to Chelsea. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was sent off just two minutes into the added period after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the Portuguese side with 10 men.
From there, Enzo Maresca’s side turned on the style. Christopher Nkunku scored what proved to be the match-winner in the 108th minute — a goal valued at $13.1 million in prize money due to the stakes of the tournament. Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added two more to put the result beyond doubt.
Quarter-Final Awaits — But Caicedo Out
Chelsea will now face Brazilian champions Palmeiras in the quarter-final, a match that will also serve as an early look at future Blue Estevão, who is set to join the London club after the competition. However, they’ll be without Moises Caicedo, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament and will be suspended for the next round.
