Chelsea Overcome Weather Delay and Late Equalizer to Beat Benfica 4-1 in Club World Cup.
Chelsea vs. Benfica, FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Round of 16, Charlotte – Full Match Report.
Match Details
Match: Benfica vs. Chelsea, Round of 16, FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Date: June 28, 2025
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Result: Chelsea won 4-1 after extra time
Goals:
Chelsea: Reece James (32’), Christopher Nkunku (98’), Pedro Neto (105’), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (112’)
Benfica: Angel Di Maria (90+5’)
Attendance: 66,000 (estimated)
Referee: Not specified
Player of the Match: Reece James (Chelsea)
Match Summary
Chelsea secured a dramatic 4-1 victory over Benfica in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, overcoming a near-two-hour weather delay and a stoppage-time equalizer to advance to the quarterfinals.
Chelsea secured a dramatic 4-1 victory over Benfica in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, overcoming a near-two-hour weather delay and a stoppage-time equalizer to advance to the quarterfinals.
The match, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Chelsea dominating much of the game only to be pegged back by Angel Di Maria’s 95th-minute strike. However, the Blues regrouped in extra time, scoring three goals through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to seal their place against Palmeiras in the next round. The victory was marred by an injury to defender Benoit Badiashile, who was substituted in the 70th minute and later seen on crutches, raising concerns for Chelsea’s defensive depth.
First Half: Chelsea’s Dominance and James’ Magic
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, started with confidence, fielding a strong lineup despite the absence of Wesley Fofana, who was ruled out until the 2025-26 season due to hamstring surgery, and Nicolas Jackson, serving a suspension from a prior red card. The starting XI included Robert Sanchez in goal, a backline of Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella, midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, and attackers Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Liam Delap.
From the opening whistle, Chelsea controlled possession, leveraging their high-pressing style to pin Benfica in their half. The Blues created early chances, with Cole Palmer’s deft footwork nearly unlocking the Benfica defense in the 10th minute, only for Anatoliy Trubin to make a sharp save. Benfica struggled to break through Chelsea’s press, with Angel Di Maria and João Mário unable to find space against a disciplined Moises Caicedo.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, curled a sublime free kick over the Benfica wall and past Trubin, giving the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead. It was James’ second direct free-kick goal of 2025, highlighting his growing influence. Chelsea continued to dominate, with Liam Delap and Pedro Neto testing Trubin, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
The second half saw Benfica push forward, with Di Maria becoming more prominent. However, Chelsea’s defense, led by Levi Colwill and Badiashile, held firm, with Colwill making a crucial tackle to deny Vangelis Pavlidis in the 55th minute. The game took a significant turn in the 70th minute when Badiashile, who had started Chelsea’s last two Club World Cup matches, was substituted due to an apparent injury. The Frenchman, linked with a potential move to Marseille, was later seen on crutches, signaling a serious concern for Maresca’s squad.
The match was disrupted in the 86th minute when a lightning storm warning forced a suspension, with players and fans seeking shelter for nearly two hours. When play resumed, Chelsea appeared momentarily rattled. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, a controversial handball decision against Levi Colwill led to a Benfica free kick, which Di Maria converted with a pinpoint strike, leveling the score at 1-1 and forcing extra time.
Extra Time: Chelsea’s Resilience Shines
Chelsea regrouped in extra time, showing the depth and character Maresca has instilled. In the 98th minute, Christopher Nkunku, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a through ball from Enzo Fernandez to restore Chelsea’s lead with a composed finish. Benfica’s hopes were further dented when a player was sent off, reducing them to 10 men.
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In the second period of extra time, Pedro Neto capitalized on a defensive error to make it 3-1, weaving through Benfica’s tired backline and slotting past Trubin. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the 4-1 victory in the 112th minute, finishing a slick team move involving Palmer and Fernandez. The Blues saw out the remaining minutes comfortably, booking their quarterfinal clash against Palmeiras on July 4, 2025.
Key Moments
Reece James’ Free Kick (32’): James’ stunning free kick gave Chelsea a deserved lead, showcasing his set-piece prowess.
Badiashile’s Injury (70’): Benoit Badiashile’s exit and subsequent appearance on crutches raised concerns about Chelsea’s defensive options, especially with Wesley Fofana already sidelined.
Weather Delay (86’): A nearly two-hour suspension due to a lightning storm disrupted the game’s rhythm, testing both teams’ focus.
Di Maria’s Equalizer (90+5’): A controversial handball call led to Di Maria’s dramatic free-kick goal, forcing extra time.
Extra-Time Blitz: Goals from Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall in extra time showcased Chelsea’s depth and resilience.
Player Performances
Reece James (Chelsea): The captain led by example, scoring a brilliant free kick and anchoring the defense. His return to form post-injury was a major positive.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): The substitute made an immediate impact, scoring the crucial second goal in extra time. Despite recent injury struggles, his quality shone through.
Angel Di Maria (Benfica): The veteran’s stoppage-time equalizer kept Benfica alive, but he couldn’t inspire a comeback against a 10-man side.
Benoit Badiashile (Chelsea): Solid until his 70th-minute injury, his absence could impact Chelsea’s defensive plans.
Levi Colwill (Chelsea): A rock at the back, Colwill’s tackling and composure were vital, though he was unfortunate with the handball call.
Reece James (Chelsea): The captain led by example, scoring a brilliant free kick and anchoring the defense. His return to form post-injury was a major positive.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): The substitute made an immediate impact, scoring the crucial second goal in extra time. Despite recent injury struggles, his quality shone through.
Angel Di Maria (Benfica): The veteran’s stoppage-time equalizer kept Benfica alive, but he couldn’t inspire a comeback against a 10-man side.
Benoit Badiashile (Chelsea): Solid until his 70th-minute injury, his absence could impact Chelsea’s defensive plans.
Levi Colwill (Chelsea): A rock at the back, Colwill’s tackling and composure were vital, though he was unfortunate with the handball call.
Injury Blow: Benoit Badiashile
Chelsea’s victory was overshadowed by concerns over Benoit Badiashile, who was substituted in the 70th minute and later seen on crutches. The 24-year-old Frenchman, who had surprisingly started Chelsea’s last two Club World Cup matches amid transfer speculation, appeared to suffer a significant injury. With Wesley Fofana already out until the 2025-26 season and Moises Caicedo set to miss the quarterfinal due to a yellow card, Chelsea’s squad depth will be tested. Maresca may turn to Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, or debutant Mamadou Sarr to fill the void, with Badiashile’s potential move to Marseille now uncertain.
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea Manager): “We’re proud and happy to take our place in the quarterfinals. The weather delay and the late equalizer tested us, but the boys showed great character in extra time.”
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea Defender): “The heat and the break made it tough, but we stayed focused. It’s not easy to come back after nearly two hours, but we did it.”Angel Di Maria (Benfica): “We fought until the end, but the red card and their quality in extra time made the difference. I’m proud of our effort.” (Post-match interview, source not specified)
Tactical Analysis
Chelsea’s high-pressing, possession-based style under Maresca overwhelmed Benfica in the first half, with 62% possession and 12 shots (5 on target). The weather delay disrupted their rhythm, and Benfica’s late equalizer exposed a rare defensive lapse. However, Chelsea’s ability to regroup in extra time, exploiting Benfica’s numerical disadvantage, highlighted their adaptability. The use of substitutes like Nkunku and Dewsbury-Hall proved decisive, showcasing Maresca’s squad depth despite injuries.
Benfica relied on counter-attacks, with Di Maria and Pavlidis posing threats, but their inability to sustain pressure against Chelsea’s press limited their chances. The red card in extra time was a turning point, leaving them vulnerable to Chelsea’s attacking onslaught.
The Bigger Picture
Chelsea’s victory marked them as the first English club to reach the 2025 Club World Cup quarterfinals, a significant achievement in the expanded 32-team format. However, the injury to Badiashile, combined with Fofana’s absence and Caicedo’s suspension, poses challenges for the Palmeiras clash. Chelsea’s transfer strategy, with interest in players like Jamie Gittens and speculation around Carney Chukwuemeka, suggests Maresca is building for the long term, but immediate defensive reinforcements may be needed.
Benfica, despite the loss, showed resilience, with Di Maria’s experience nearly turning the game. Their historic chance to defeat Chelsea for the first time slipped away, but their performance underlined their competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals on July 4, 2025, in a match that will test their depleted squad. Maresca will need to manage without Caicedo, and Badiashile’s injury could force tactical adjustments. Palmeiras, potentially without key defenders, offer an opportunity for Chelsea to exploit their attacking depth, with players like Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in form.
Chelsea face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals on July 4, 2025, in a match that will test their depleted squad. Maresca will need to manage without Caicedo, and Badiashile’s injury could force tactical adjustments. Palmeiras, potentially without key defenders, offer an opportunity for Chelsea to exploit their attacking depth, with players like Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in form.
Chelsea’s 4-1 triumph over Benfica was a testament to their resilience, overcoming a lengthy weather delay and a dramatic equalizer to secure a quarterfinal berth. Reece James’ leadership, combined with extra-time heroics from Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall, showcased their quality. However, Benoit Badiashile’s injury, with the defender spotted on crutches, casts a shadow over the victory, raising questions about Chelsea’s defensive stability. As the Blues prepare for Palmeiras, Maresca’s side will need to dig deep to maintain their Club World Cup aspirations.
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