In one of the most chaotic and exhausting matches in recent memory, Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Benfica 4-1 in extra time, but not without controversy. The match, which started smoothly, ended up stretching nearly five hours due to a lightning delay, multiple goals, a red card, and plenty of drama.
Chelsea Leads Before Chaos Unfolds
The match took place in Charlotte, USA, where Chelsea, fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph, met Portuguese giants Benfica. Things initially went to plan for the Blues when captain Reece James broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick in the 64th minute.
Just when Chelsea looked poised to see out the win, the game was halted in the 86th minute due to a lightning threat in the area. Players were forced off the pitch and into the dressing rooms, where they would remain for nearly two hours before the all-clear was given.
A Lightning Delay That Changed Everything
The game resumed after an agonising 105-minute delay. Barely back into the action, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto conceded a penalty for handball. Ángel Di María coolly slotted home the equaliser for Benfica in stoppage time, sending the match into extra time.
That would be Di María’s final act in a Benfica shirt, as the 37-year-old is expected to return to his boyhood club Rosario Central following the tournament.
Extra Time: Chelsea Run Riot, Benfica See Red
In extra time, the momentum completely shifted. Benfica were reduced to 10 men after winger Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card, and Chelsea took full advantage.
Christopher Nkunku capitalised on a goalkeeping error to restore Chelsea’s lead, before two more counter-attacking goals from Andrey Santos and Lewis Hall sealed a comprehensive, albeit delayed, victory for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca Slams “Farce” of a Match
Despite the win, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca did not hold back in his post-match interview. “It was a joke — this wasn’t football,” he said. “I understand safety concerns, but having a two-hour delay in the middle of a match is just not acceptable. This location isn’t ideal for matches at this level.”
Maresca also pointed out a worrying trend in the tournament. “We’ve been here two weeks, and already six or seven matches have been interrupted due to weather. That’s not normal. In the World Cup or European competitions, how often does that happen? Rarely.”
He went on to question the mental and physical toll on players: “How do you ask professional players to sit in a changing room for two hours and stay focused? They’re on their phones, calling family, eating snacks, and then you expect them to go out and play extra time. It’s a farce.”
With this victory, Chelsea maintains a flawless record in knockout ties against Portuguese clubs, five wins from five. While the team celebrated reaching the final eight, the circumstances surrounding the match left many, including their coach, feeling uneasy about the broader issues of tournament planning and player welfare.
Palmeiras Also Progressed After a Heated All-Brazilian Clash
In the day’s other Round of 16 fixture, Brazilian champions Palmeiras edged fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0 in extra time. Paulinho scored the match-winner in the 114th minute after a gruelling, yellow card-filled contest.
The referee handed out 12 yellow cards: six per team, tying the record for the most bookings in a single Club World Cup match.
While Chelsea’s quality ultimately shone through, the chaotic match was a reminder that elite football requires not only great players but also excellent planning. For a tournament aiming to grow in global prestige, avoiding five-hour marathons in stormy cities might be a good place to start.
