Chelsea FC delivered a thrilling performance in a weather-disrupted FIFA Club World Cup clash, overcoming Benfica 4-1 in a match that stretched nearly five hours due to lightning delays. The Blues secured their quarterfinal berth with three goals in extra time, showcasing resilience amid chaotic conditions at Bank of America Stadium.
Christopher Nkunku broke the deadlock in the 108th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was sent off with a red card. Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added late goals to seal the win, while Reece James opened the scoring with a 64th-minute free kick. Benfica's Angel Di Maria briefly leveled the score via a stoppage-time penalty, but the Portuguese side couldn't sustain momentum.
The match, paused for two hours due to lightning with four minutes remaining in regulation, tested both teams' adaptability. Chelsea now faces Brazil's Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday, setting the stage for a high-stakes intercontinental showdown.
