Chelsea’s 4‑1 comeback beats Benfica after two‑hour lightning delay

On June 28, 2025, Chelsea Football Club clinched a 4‑1 extra‑time victory over SL Benfica in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager saw his side led by captain Reece James before Benfica’s Ángel Di María equalised, and substitute Gianluca Prestianni was later sent off, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Historical context: the expanded Club World Cup

The 2025 edition marks the first time FIFA has run an expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 clubs from every continent. Unlike previous eight‑team versions, the new format gives clubs from Europe and South America a clearer path to the knockout stages, but it also squeezes the calendar. Chelsea entered the tournament after winning the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, while Benfica qualified by lifting the Primeira Liga title. Both clubs arrived with high expectations, knowing that a deep run could boost their global brand and attract new sponsorships.

Match overview and key moments

From the opening whistle, the game felt like a tactical chess match. Chelsea pressed high, forcing Benfica into a back‑four, while the Portuguese side relied on quick transitions. The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when Reece James curled a free‑kick into the top corner, a strike described by the stadium commentator as "a piece of art under the lights". Benfica responded with frantic attacks, but the real drama only began four minutes from full‑time.

At the 86th minute, lightning erupted over the stadium, prompting officials to halt play. Players retreated to the locker rooms; fans huddled under the concourse roofs. The pause lasted two full hours – a duration more typical of a halftime show than a football match. When officials finally gave the nod to resume, the atmosphere was tense, and the fatigue was palpable.

Just five minutes into stoppage time, Ángel Di María stepped up and slotted a penalty after VAR ruled that Chelsea defender Malo Gusto had handled the ball in the box. The equaliser sent the tie into extra time and forced both managers to rethink their strategies.

Early in the extra‑time period, Benfica’s hopes were dented when Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge and saw red. With the Portuguese side reduced to ten men, Chelsea seized the initiative. Christopher Nkunku pounced in the 108th minute, tapping in a low finish after a slick one‑two with the midfield. Two minutes later, Pedro Neto burst down the right flank and lifted a cross that found Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, whose finish made it 4‑1.

Impact of the lightning delay

Few matches have required a two‑hour interruption, making this tie one of the longest in Club World Cup history. Sports physiologists note that such an extended pause can disrupt players’ rhythm, dehydrate them, and increase injury risk once action resumes. Chelsea’s medical team reportedly administered a quick re‑hydration protocol during the break, which may have helped the Blues maintain intensity in the latter stages.

Psychologically, the delay shifted momentum. In the words of Enzo Maresca, "When the game stopped we knew we had to reset our heads. The extra time became a mental battle, and our guys showed the resilience you build in a season of tight fixtures." Benfica, on the other hand, appeared rattled; the red card to Prestianni seemed to stem from frustration after the long wait.

Post‑match reactions and quarter‑final outlook

After the final whistle, Maresca praised his squad: "I'm proud of the performance until the stoppage, and then we found the character to finish the job. It wasn’t easy, but the reward was deserved." James, still beaming, added, "The delay was a test of our focus. When we got back, we just wanted to finish it the way we started – with confidence and quick passes."

Benfica’s coach, Rui Vitória, lamented the missed opportunity, saying, "We had the chance to take it to penalties. The weather was out of our control, but the red card hurt us more than anything."

Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Brazil’s Palmeiras on Friday in a quarter‑final that pits European tactical discipline against South American flair. Analysts predict a tight contest; however, Chelsea’s depth and recent experience in high‑pressure games give them a slight edge.

What the win means for Chelsea’s campaign

Beyond the immediate progression, the victory reinforces Chelsea’s reputation as a club that can thrive under adversity. The win also adds a valuable trophy to manager Enzo Maresca’s résumé, cementing his status among Europe’s elite coaches. For the fans, the dramatic comeback fuels optimism ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixtures, where the squad will aim to replicate the resilience shown in Charlotte.

• Date: 28 June 2025
• Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
• Score: Chelsea 4‑1 Benfica (after extra‑time)
• Goal scorers: Reece James (64'), Christopher Nkunku (108'), Pedro Neto (110'), Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall (112')
• Red card: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica, 108')