The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Benfica at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, delivered a thrilling encounter marked by high drama, intense competition, and challenging weather conditions. Chelsea, coming off a strong group stage performance, faced an unbeaten Benfica side that had just stunned Bayern Munich in their final group game, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown on June 28, 2025.
From the outset, both teams showed they were ready for a battle. Benfica entered the match with an impressive unbeaten streak in the competition, including a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Boca Juniors in their opening match. Their attacking lineup, featuring seasoned players like Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Karem Akturkoglu, and Andreas Schjelderup, who scored the winner against Bayern Munich, posed a significant threat to Chelsea’s defense.
Chelsea, under the guidance of coach Enzo Maresca, had navigated through the group stage with solid performances, including a 3-0 victory over Esperance where young forward Liam Delap scored his first goal for the club. The Blues had won all three previous meetings with Benfica, but this match promised to be a tight contest, with many predicting a draw featuring goals from both sides.
Weather conditions quickly became a defining factor. The sweltering heat in Charlotte was a concern for Chelsea, a team less accustomed to such temperatures compared to the Portuguese side. Maresca openly expressed his worries ahead of the game, stating, "It is almost impossible to train because of the weather…We are just trying to save energy for the game… It’s not easy in these conditions with these temperatures. We are going to try to do our best," as reported by The Sun. This extreme climate had already impacted several matches in the tournament, leading to six game suspensions due to weather, including the Chelsea vs. Benfica match itself.
As the game unfolded, Chelsea managed to take a 1-0 lead, with the Blues showing remarkable defensive organization to keep Benfica’s potent attack at bay during the first 85 minutes. However, just as Chelsea appeared poised to seal the victory, a severe storm forced referees to suspend the match for at least 30 minutes, prioritizing the safety of players and fans. The suspension came with only five minutes remaining in regulation time, frustrating Chelsea players who were so close to a win.
Upon resumption, Benfica seized the moment and scored a crucial goal to level the match, pushing the contest into overtime. The Portuguese giants, known for their resilience and tactical discipline, looked rejuvenated, capitalizing on Chelsea’s momentary lapse. Yet, Chelsea’s depth and quality shone through during the extra period. Dominating the final 30 minutes, the Blues netted three additional goals, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory and advancing to the quarterfinals.
The match also featured notable substitutions, such as Liam Delap being replaced by Christopher Nkunku, showcasing Maresca’s tactical adjustments to maintain momentum and counter Benfica’s threats. Benfica’s Angel Di Maria, who had scored three goals at the tournament—all from penalties—could not add to his tally this time, despite his pedigree and past success against Chelsea, having scored four career goals against them in his stints at Manchester United and Chelsea.
This victory sets Chelsea on a promising path in the tournament, with the prospect of facing either Palmeiras or Botafogo in the next round. Palmeiras, already qualified for the quarterfinals, and Botafogo represent formidable opponents, but Chelsea’s recent form and squad depth give them confidence heading into these potential clashes.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been notable for its weather-related disruptions, with six matches suspended due to storms and extreme conditions, including games involving Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Ulsan Hyundai, RB Salzburg vs. Pachuca, Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly, Benfica vs. Auckland City, Boca Juniors vs. Auckland City, and Benfica vs. Chelsea. These interruptions have sparked discussions among European teams and officials about the need for scheduling reforms and better preparation for fluctuating climate conditions.
Despite these challenges, the tournament has showcased exceptional talent and thrilling football. Chelsea’s journey, highlighted by Liam Delap’s breakout performances and Enzo Fernández’s creative assists, reflects a team growing in confidence and cohesion. Delap’s goal against Esperance was a milestone for the young forward, who celebrated, "Coming to this club of this size and getting my first goal means everything to me. Every goal is special, and this one is definitely up there." This spirit and determination were evident throughout the Chelsea vs. Benfica clash.
Fans in the United States had the opportunity to watch this exciting encounter live on DAZN, a streaming platform offering extensive sports coverage. DAZN’s accessibility and quality streaming have made it a popular choice for soccer enthusiasts eager to follow the Club World Cup action.
As Chelsea advances, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures and how they will manage the physical toll of the tournament amid challenging weather. Meanwhile, Benfica’s impressive run remains a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess, promising more captivating matches ahead.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending top-tier football with unpredictable weather drama, and Chelsea’s hard-fought victory over Benfica is a prime example of the excitement this tournament delivers.
