What was expected to be a relatively straightforward victory for Chelsea turned into one of the most bizarre and dramatic games in Club World Cup history. The match at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, was interrupted by a near two-hour delay due to extreme thunderstorms.
Reece James had put Chelsea ahead with a stunning near-post free-kick in the 64th minute, a goal that looked set to seal a routine win. However, with just four minutes left in regulation time, officials halted play as lightning strikes triggered the stadium’s ‘seek cover protocol’. Under the protocol, each lightning strike within an eight-mile radius added an extra 30-minute delay, much to the frustration of both players and fans.
When the players finally returned to the pitch, Benfica stunned the Premier League side by scoring with their very first shot on target. Angel Di Maria, in his farewell appearance for Benfica, coolly converted a 94th-minute penalty after a Chelsea handball, sending the match into extra time.
Red Card Drama Tips the Balance
The turning point in extra time came just minutes after Di Maria’s equaliser. Benfica’s 18-year-old Gianluca Prestianni saw red after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession — the second for a reckless late challenge on Chelsea defender Levi Colwill just one minute into extra time.
Down to 10 men, Benfica struggled to cope with Chelsea’s numerical advantage. The Blues ramped up the pressure and finally broke the deadlock in the second half of extra time. Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall secured a 4-1 victory that was far less straightforward than the scoreline suggested.
Chelsea also suffered setbacks of their own. Defender Benoit Badiashile was forced off with an injury and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches. Midfielder Moises Caicedo picked up his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning he will miss the quarter-final clash.
Standout Performers and Struggles on the Pitch
Amid the chaos, Chelsea’s full-backs shone. Reece James was instrumental at both ends of the pitch, delivering a crucial free-kick goal and maintaining composure throughout the turbulent match. Marc Cucurella also impressed, fitting well into manager Enzo Maresca’s evolving tactical setup for the tournament.
However, not everyone thrived. Substitute Malo Gusto struggled defensively, particularly after the weather delay disrupted Chelsea’s momentum. The team looked disjointed in phases, especially in the aftermath of the near two-hour break, which clearly unsettled both sides.
On Benfica’s side, Angel Di Maria stood out with a composed penalty in his farewell match. But the young Prestianni’s lack of discipline ultimately cost his team dearly.
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Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall Seal Chelsea’s Wild Club World Cup Win After Weather Delay
Two of Reece James’ three goals in 2025 have come from direct free-kicks — the other against Bournemouth in January. They remain Chelsea’s only direct free-kick goals this year.
Chelsea did not face a single shot on target in consecutive Club World Cup matches until Di Maria’s 94th-minute penalty.
Benfica are winless in their last eight matches against English clubs (3 draws, 5 defeats) since a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League in March 2014.
The official attendance was just 25,929 in a stadium built for nearly 75,000 — a likely result of the severe weather disruptions.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Benfica?
Chelsea now advance to the Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Brazilian giants Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday, with kick-off set for 20:00 BST. However, they will be without Moises Caicedo due to suspension and possibly Benoit Badiashile due to injury.
For Benfica, their Club World Cup campaign ends here, and their attention turns to the UEFA Champions League play-offs. They will also contest Portugal’s Supertaca — the domestic Super Cup — against rivals Sporting CP on July 31 as they prepare for the start of their new league season.
