Jun 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chelsea FC forward Pedro Neto (7) scores their third goal during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Chelsea Beat Benfica in Extra Time To Reach FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinal

The hard-fought victory sees Chelsea become the first English team to reach the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

Chelsea advanced to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Benfica. Notably, the hard-fought Round of 16 match stretched over four hours due to weather delays in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reece James opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a stunning near-post free kick that seemed set to seal Chelsea’s progression.

However, with just four minutes left in regulation, play was halted for nearly two hours due to thunderstorms and lightning in the area. Upon resumption, Angel Di Maria, in his final appearance for Benfica, converted a penalty in the 95th minute to take the match into extra time.

And breathe. Up the Chels!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/7E60FQv7mC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2025

Chelsea dominated possession early on, with the best opportunity of the first half falling to Marc Cucurella. However, the Spaniard’s curling strike from the edge of the box was headed off the line by Benfica’s Antonio Silva with the goalkeeper beaten. Cole Palmer came close to breaking the deadlock, drawing a sharp save from Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin after unleashing a powerful effort at the near post. However, Trubin was left embarrassed moments later when Reece James produced a moment of brilliance, drilling a brilliant free-kick inside the near post.

Benfica’s equaliser arrived after the lengthy lightning delay. The decision was awarded following a VAR review for a handball against Malo Gusto, who was caught with his arms raised in the air. Angel Di Maria calmly converted from the spot amid the stormy conditions.

Red Card Dents Benfica Hopes

Benfica’s hopes were dented when Gianluca Prestianni received two quick yellow cards in the 96th minute and then in the first minute of extra time, leaving the Portuguese side down to 10 men. Chelsea capitalised on the numerical advantage in extra time. Chelsea’s bench erupted in celebration when Christopher Nkunku fired the ball into the net in the 108th minute.

Nkunku’s goal put Enzo Maresca’s side 2-1 ahead and swung the momentum firmly in their favour. The France forward, who is reportedly up for sale after slipping down the pecking order, seized the moment after Moises Caicedo’s driven shot slipped through the hands of Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

The Blues then underlined their dominance with further strikes from Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory. The victory sees Chelsea become the first English team to reach the Club World Cup quarterfinals, setting up a clash with Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Benfica

Chelsea

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.