Chelsea vs Benfica Match Report – Club World Cup 2025
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 brought a highly anticipated clash between two football giants, Chelsea and Benfica. Held at the iconic Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, this match lived up to expectations with drama, skill, and a thrilling finish. Chelsea ultimately triumphed with a convincing 4-1 win after extra time, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face the formidable Palmeiras. This match report covers everything from key moments, tactical nuances, player performances, and the implications moving forward in the tournament.
Pre-Match Expectations
Heading into the match, Chelsea were seen as favorites given their recent form and squad depth. Managed by Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have blended youthful energy with experienced leadership, looking to make a significant impact in the Club World Cup. Benfica, on the other hand, arrived with determination to upset the odds and showcase their tactical discipline and attacking prowess. Both teams had clear objectives: Chelsea wanted to assert control and progress further, while Benfica aimed to cause an upset and demonstrate their resilience on the world stage.
First Half: Tactical Battles and Cautious Play
The first 45 minutes reflected a chess match between the two managers. Chelsea opted for a possession-based style, patiently circulating the ball through midfield, trying to create openings. Benfica responded by maintaining a compact defensive shape, cutting passing lanes, and seeking to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm. The midfield battle was intense, with both teams vying for control and looking to launch counter-attacks. Despite a few half-chances on either side, neither team managed to break the deadlock in the opening half, leaving the scoreline at 0-0 going into halftime.
Second Half: Reece James’ Stunning Free Kick
After the break, Chelsea increased their tempo and intensity. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Chelsea earned a dangerous free kick just outside Benfica’s penalty box. Reece James, known for his powerful and accurate set pieces, stepped up and delivered a curling shot into the bottom-left corner of the net, beyond the reach of Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. This goal not only gave Chelsea the lead but also energized the team and fans alike. Chelsea continued to press for a second goal, but Benfica's defense held firm, and the match became more tactical as Benfica sought to equalize.
Benfica’s Late Penalty and Equalizer
As regulation time neared its end, Benfica increased their attacking urgency. Their persistence paid off during stoppage time when Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella was adjudged to have fouled a Benfica player inside the box. Veteran Ángel Di María calmly converted the resulting penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the game into extra time. This dramatic equalizer sparked wild celebrations from Benfica’s fans and set up a tense conclusion to the match.
Extra Time: Chelsea’s Clinical Finishing and Tactical Mastery
In extra time, Chelsea demonstrated their superior fitness and tactical flexibility. Manager Enzo Maresca made strategic substitutions that injected fresh energy and attacking impetus into the squad. Chelsea quickly regained control and began to dominate possession, forcing Benfica into mistakes and capitalizing ruthlessly.
Christoph Nkunku opened the scoring in extra time with a well-placed finish in the 108th minute, giving Chelsea the lead once again. This goal was a product of quick interplay and precise positioning, highlighting Chelsea’s quality in attack.
Shortly after, Pedro Neto doubled the lead with a composed strike in the 113th minute, calmly placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. Neto’s goal underscored Chelsea’s growing dominance and Benfica’s fading resistance.
The final blow came in the 117th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sprinted down the flank on a swift counter-attack and slotted home to seal the match at 4-1. This goal was a testament to Chelsea’s fitness and tactical awareness, effectively ending Benfica’s hopes of a comeback.
Key Players and Performances
Reece James was undoubtedly the standout performer, his free kick goal proving decisive in breaking the deadlock. His defensive solidity and attacking support throughout the match helped Chelsea maintain pressure on Benfica.
Christoph Nkunku showed excellent movement and clinical finishing, his extra-time goal a crucial turning point. Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also impressed with their composure and finishing under pressure.
On the Benfica side, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made several key saves to keep his team in the game during regular time, while Ángel Di María’s penalty showed his calmness and experience in high-pressure moments.
Managerial Insights
Enzo Maresca’s tactical decisions were instrumental in Chelsea’s win. His substitution strategy brought in fresh legs at the perfect moments, allowing Chelsea to maintain high energy levels during extra time. Maresca's blend of a possession game with quick counter-attacks showcased his adaptability and deep understanding of his squad's strengths.
Benfica’s manager faced challenges with defensive lapses during extra time but can take pride in his team’s resilience and tactical discipline throughout the match.
What This Victory Means for Chelsea
By advancing to the quarter-finals, Chelsea have kept their Club World Cup dream alive. This victory not only boosts the team's confidence but also sends a message to other top teams that Chelsea are a serious contender for the title. Their next opponent, Palmeiras, will pose a stern test, but Chelsea’s display of skill, fitness, and tactical nous will give fans hope for a deep run in the tournament.
Looking Ahead: The Quarter-Finals and Beyond
The upcoming quarter-final clash against Palmeiras promises to be a tactical and physical battle between two highly skilled teams. Chelsea will look to build on their momentum and continue executing the strategies that worked so well against Benfica. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Enzo Maresca’s side performs as the competition intensifies.
Match Summary Table
| Minute | Player | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64' | Reece James | Free Kick Goal | Chelsea 1-0 Benfica |
| 90+X' | Ángel Di María | Penalty Goal | 1-1 |
| 108' | Christoph Nkunku | Extra Time Goal | Chelsea 2-1 Benfica |
| 113' | Pedro Neto | Extra Time Goal | Chelsea 3-1 Benfica |
| 117' | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Extra Time Goal | Chelsea 4-1 Benfica |
Where to Follow More Updates
Stay up to date with the latest FIFA Club World Cup news by visiting the official FIFA Club World Cup website.
For in-depth match reports and analysis, check out the Daily Mail Sport coverage.
Explore our Club World Cup Quarter Finals Preview for insights on upcoming matches and teams.
Final Remarks
This Chelsea vs Benfica encounter was a rollercoaster of emotions and a showcase of football at its finest. Chelsea’s ability to withstand Benfica’s late fightback and then decisively take control in extra time highlights their quality and determination. Fans will remember this match as a defining moment in the 2025 Club World Cup.
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