Chelsea secured a dramatic 4–1 victory over Benfica in a thrilling match during the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. After a balanced 1–1 draw in the regular 90 minutes, Chelsea surged ahead in extra time with two goals from Christopher Nkunku, one from Pedro Neto, and a late chip by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The match ended with Chelsea confidently advancing to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals. The game had it all goals, a red card, and even a suspension due to lightning.
Reece James Scores Stunning Free Kick Against Benfica
In the 64th minute, Chelsea captain Reece James took center stage by delivering a spectacular free kick that curled past the goalkeeper and into the net. That equaliser energized the Chelsea players and fans, and helped them dominate possession afterward. It underscored James’s leadership and set an exciting tone for the rest of the second half.
Benfica’s Late Penalty Equaliser Comes Before Lightning Delay
In the dying seconds of first-half stoppage time, with tension mounting and urgency pulsing through every pass, Benfica found a lifeline. After a sustained spell of pressure, a clumsy challenge in the box handed them a last-gasp penalty. Veteran Ángel Di María, ever composed under pressure, stepped up with the weight of the stadium’s hopes on his shoulders. His finish was clinical a curling shot into the top corner that left the goalkeeper rooted, leveling the score at 1–1 and igniting the home crowd into thunderous celebration.
But the euphoria was short-lived. As celebrations simmered and players began regrouping for the restart, nature had its own dramatic twist in store. A sudden crack of lightning and torrential rain swept across the stadium, forcing match officials to suspend play.
Lightning Pause Affects Momentum Before Extra Time
Roughly four minutes into stoppage time, the atmosphere shifted—not because of a tactical change or a momentum swing, but due to nature’s raw interruption. A sharp flicker of lightning overhead brought everything to a halt. Match officials, erring on the side of player safety, suspended the game. What had been a tense, emotionally charged encounter suddenly froze in place.
The two-hour delay wasn’t just about waiting. It became a test of resolve, an examination of focus amid uncertainty. Players stretched, sat, rehydrated, and stared at walls or mobile screens each coping with the limbo in their own way. Coaches had to recalibrate, unsure how the extended pause would shape tired bodies or shift mental dynamics. There was no script for this moment.
Chelsea Scores Three Extra-Time Goals After Benfica Sends Off Player
When extra time began, the narrative had already twisted through storm and stoppage, drama and discipline. But it was the red card an irreversible lapse in discipline early in the added period that lit the fuse. With Benfica reduced to ten, Chelsea seized the moment, transforming numerical advantage into commanding dominance. Pedro Neto followed soon after, ghosting into space on the left and curling a calm, composed finish past a stretched defense. The Portuguese winger, facing familiar territory, showed no hesitation his strike doubling the lead and dashing hopes of a Benfica comeback.
But Chelsea weren’t done. As the clock ticked toward 120, with Benfica chasing shadows and fatigue written into every pass, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered the final flourish. With a cheeky glance up and exquisite timing, he chipped the keeper from just inside the box an audacious touch that sealed the 4–1 result and sent Chelsea fans into rapture. Sports News
Coach Praises Team Resilience Against Benfica’s Challenge
After the match, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca praised his side’s resilience and adaptability.
“The two-hour delay could’ve hurt us. Instead, the players stayed focused and changed gear when needed,”
The coach highlighted Chelsea’s mental strength and tactical flexibility, which helped them come through a very challenging match.
Benfica Shows Quality But Falters After Red Card
Even in defeat, Benfica demonstrated strong character and tactical discipline for most of the match. Before the red card, their midfield and defense held firm, and their late equaliser showed leadership. But losing a player in extra time proved costly, and they could only watch as Chelsea pulled away.
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