In a rollercoaster of a match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Chelsea triumphed over Benfica with a 4-1 victory after extra time in a contest that was as dramatic off the pitch as it was on it. Played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, this round of 16 clash was marred by a two-hour lightning delay, stretching the game to nearly five hours and testing the patience of players and fans alike.
The match kicked off at 4:00 PM ET on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with both teams eager to claim a quarter-final spot against Palmeiras, who had earlier edged past Botafogo. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, appeared to have the upper hand for much of the game, but the interruption due to severe weather brought unexpected twists.
Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Reece James struck a stunning free kick, curling the ball into the bottom left corner from just outside the box. This goal seemed to set the tone, with the Blues looking comfortable and in control as the match approached its final stages.
However, the game was suddenly halted in the 86th minute as FIFA's lightning protocol was activated, forcing the stadium to clear spectators to interior concourses for safety. The protocol dictates a 30-minute delay after the last lightning strike within a 10-mile radius, but multiple strikes repeatedly reset the clock, prolonging the stoppage. Players were seen warming up again around 7:35 PM ET, with play finally resuming at 7:45 PM ET.
The delay disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm, and Benfica seized the opportunity to level the score late on. In stoppage time, Benfica were awarded a penalty following a handball by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto inside the box. Veteran Ángel Di María stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-1. This goal was particularly poignant as it marked a significant moment in Di María’s career, who is set to return to his boyhood club Rosario Central after the tournament.
Extra time began with the score tied, but Benfica’s hopes were dealt a heavy blow early in the period. Gianluca Prestianni, who had already been booked, received a second yellow card for a bad foul and was sent off, reducing Benfica to ten men. This turning point shifted the momentum decisively in Chelsea’s favor.
With the numerical advantage, Chelsea quickly took control. Christopher Nkunku scored the go-ahead goal, firing a right-footed shot from close range into the top right corner, putting Chelsea ahead 2-1. The Blues continued to press, and Pedro Neto added a third in the 115th minute after a swift turnover left Benfica’s defense exposed. Neto’s composed finish past goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin underscored Chelsea’s dominance in extra time.
Not finished yet, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the victory with a deft dink over the Benfica keeper in the 117th minute, extending the lead to 4-1 and effectively ending the contest. Chelsea’s late surge highlighted their fitness and tactical discipline, especially impressive after the long weather delay.
Throughout the match, several players received yellow cards, including Tiago Gouveia and António Silva from Benfica, and Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, and Moisés Caicedo from Chelsea. The intensity of the game was evident, with numerous fouls and free kicks awarded on both sides. Notably, Cole Palmer also received a yellow card during the extra time.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was visibly frustrated by the extended weather delay, describing it as a “joke” and “not football,” reflecting the disruption and the challenge of maintaining focus over such an extended period. Despite the frustration, Maresca’s side showed resilience and composure to secure the win and advance to the quarter-finals.
The victory sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday, July 4, 2025. Chelsea will look to build on their endurance and tactical execution as they aim to progress further in the tournament.
This match also highlighted the challenges that weather delays pose in global tournaments, particularly in the U.S., where strict safety protocols are enforced. The Benfica-Chelsea game was the sixth match in the tournament to be delayed due to weather, underscoring the growing concern among fans and officials about scheduling and the impact on players’ performance.
For Benfica, the loss was a tough blow, especially after Di María’s late equalizer raised hopes. The sending off of Prestianni and Chelsea’s extra-time goals ultimately proved decisive. The Portuguese side will now reflect on a valiant effort that was undone by moments of misfortune and the relentless pressure from the Blues.
In all, this match will be remembered not only for Chelsea’s commanding extra-time performance but also for the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the two-hour lightning delay and the resilience shown by both teams in a test of endurance and focus. Chelsea’s 4-1 win after extra time propels them forward in the Club World Cup, keeping their dream alive as they prepare for the next challenge.
