FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Chelsea crush Benfica 4-1 after lightning delay to reach Quarterfinals

Chelsea booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a commanding 4-1 victory over Benfica, after a dramatic lightning delay extended the Round of 16 clash to a marathon 4 hours and 39 minutes. The win sets up a mouthwatering last-eight clash with Palmeiras, as the Blues continue their campaign in the United States.

Reece James opens the scoring before weather strikes

The English Premier League side took the lead in the 64th minute through captain Reece James, who rifled home from the edge of the box after a well-worked move down the right flank. However, just as Chelsea looked to be closing out a professional 1-0 win, Mother Nature had other plans.

With just five minutes left on the clock, the match was halted due to a lightning storm warning in the Charlotte area, triggering mandatory safety protocols at Bank of America Stadium. Players and officials were immediately ushered off the field, and fans were told to take shelter as torrential rain and lightning approached.

Related News: Paulinho's extra-time strike sends Palmeiras into FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

Di Maria penalty sparks Benfica hope

In stoppage time, 90+3 minutes, Benfica were awarded a penalty after a VAR review found Malo Gusto guilty of handling the ball inside the box. Ángel Di María calmly stepped up and slotted home down the middle, sending the match into extra time and breathing life into Benfica's hopes.

The equaliser stunned Chelsea fans and injected new energy into the Portuguese side, but that momentum didn’t last long.

Chelsea turn on the style in Extra Time

Chelsea responded with ruthless efficiency in extra time, showing the kind of squad depth and tactical clarity that has defined Enzo Maresca’s early reign.

Christopher Nkunku, introduced from the bench, restored Chelsea’s lead with a brilliant finish early in the first period of extra time. Maresca sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with the Frenchman, showing just how much the goal meant to the Blues' bench.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall then added a third, his second goal of the tournament, with a low strike after a sweeping counter-attack. With Benfica stretched, the fourth came from another substitute, Armando Broja, capping off a dominant extra-time performance.

Chelsea’s three goals in 30 minutes turned a tense affair into a statement win and sealed their place in the last eight.

Squad Depth the Difference as Maresca’s Chelsea march on

This was a statement victory for Enzo Maresca, who made the right changes at the right time. Chelsea’s substitutes scored three of their four goals, highlighting the strength in depth that could be crucial in a packed tournament schedule.

Chelsea now prepare to face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, in what promises to be a high-stakes clash between European and South American giants. The Blues will remain in the U.S., benefitting from reduced travel as the tournament heats up.

SportsLigue