In a captivating encounter that spanned nearly five hours, Chelsea emerged victorious over Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup, securing a 4-1 triumph after extra time. The English giants showcased their mettle, overcoming a determined Benfica side and a weather-related delay to book their place in the quarterfinals.
The match, played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a true test of endurance and tactical acumen. Chelsea dominated possession and created numerous chances, but the heroics of Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin kept the scoreline level for much of the game.
Reece James Breaks the Deadlock
It wasn’t until the 64th minute that Chelsea finally found the breakthrough, with captain Reece James scoring directly from a free kick to put the Blues ahead. However, the lead was short-lived, as Ángel Di María equalized for Benfica from the penalty spot in the dying moments of regulation time, sending the match into extra time.
Chelsea’s Resilience Shines Through
With the match hanging in the balance, Chelsea’s experience and composure came to the fore. After Benfica were reduced to 10 men due to a second yellow card, the English side seized control, scoring three unanswered goals through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to secure a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Palmeiras Awaits in the Quarterfinals
Chelsea’s triumph sets up a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash with Brazilian giants Palmeiras, who had earlier eliminated Botafogo in a dramatic extra-time encounter. The Blues will be looking to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the prestigious final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
This thrilling victory showcases Chelsea’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it matters most. With their resilience, tactical acumen, and clinical finishing, the English side has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the global football landscape.
