Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in a weather-disrupted last-16 encounter on Saturday.
The match, held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, was marred by a lengthy delay caused by severe weather conditions, stretching the contest to a marathon four hours and 39 minutes.
Despite dominating much of the game, Chelsea saw their 1-0 lead courtesy of Reece James second half free-kick cancelled in stoppage time when Angel Di Maria converted a penalty for Benfica following a handball by Malo Gusto, which was controversially confirmed by VAR.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed frustration after the game, criticizing the lengthy interruption.
“It’s a joke, this isn’t football again,” Maresca said. “We were in control for 85 minutes and had enough chances to win. But after the break, everything changed.”
It was the sixth match in the tournament to suffer a weather-related stoppage, raising concerns about match scheduling and safety protocols.
“If you’re suspending six, seven, or eight games, then clearly something isn’t working properly,” Maresca added.
In extra time, Chelsea pulled away decisively. Christopher Nkunku restored the lead, capitalizing on a rebound after Moises Caicedo’s shot slipped under Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. With Benfica reduced to 10 men following Gianluca Prestianni’s red card, Chelsea exploited the numerical advantage.
Pedro Neto extended the lead with a cool finish in the 114th minute, and three minutes later, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the victory to complete a dominant extra-time display.
Chelsea will now face Brazilian champions Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
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