Chelsea claimed a 4-1 win over 10-man Benfica in extra time after an extended delay in Charlotte on Saturday to reach the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, Afrosport reports.
The Blues came into the round of 16 having finished second in Group D behind Flamengo while Benfica finished top in Group C ahead of Bayern Munich.
The first half at the Bank of America Stadium was a cagey affair but finally came to life when Chelsea captain Reece James sent in a sensational free kick in the 64th minute.
It looked like Enzo Maresca’s were going to wrap things up in 90 minutes but the game was halted with five minutes remaining due to severe weather.
The game resumed after a delay of more than an hour and Argentina veteran Angel Di Maria equalised for Benfica from the penalty spot in added time after Malo Gusto handled the ball in the box.
Benfica’s hopes of an upset were short-lived as Gianluca Prestianni was a sent off for a second bookable offence at the commencement of extra time.
This allowed Chelsea back into the game with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all finding the back of the net between the 108th and 117th minute.
An exceptional extra-time display earns @ChelseaFC a place in the quarter-finals. ⏰#FIFACWC
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 29, 2025
The victory sees the West London side set up a quarter-final meeting with Brazilian side Palmeiras who defeated Botafogo 1-0 after extra time in the earlier round of 16 fixture in Philadelphia on Saturday.
