Benfica’s late red card and Ángel Di María’s emotional penalty farewell weren’t enough to stop Chelsea’s extra-time blitz in Charlotte’s 4-1 Club World Cup win. A lightning storm, dramatic moments, and three goals in nine minutes sent the Blues into a blockbuster quarterfinal against Palmeiras.
Benfica’s Red Card and Di María’s Farewell Highlight Wild Club World Cup Showdown
Chelsea needed extra time—and a weather delay—to break Benfica’s resilience in a stormy Club World Cup last-16 clash. Despite Ángel Di María’s penalty salvaging late hope for the Portuguese side, a red card and a ruthless second period of extra time saw the Premier League giants secure a 4-1 win.
The result sent Enzo Maresca’s side into a tantalizing quarterfinal against Palmeiras.
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Lightning, Late Drama & Chelsea’s Extra-Time Masterclass
Yes, you heard that right—this was no ordinary knockout match. Played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, this tie had everything: a two-hour lightning delay, a red card, a Di María penalty, and a Chelsea rampage.
Reece James’ 64th-minute free-kick broke the deadlock before Gianluca Prestianni saw red for a second yellow minutes after the weather stoppage. That moment shifted momentum like a collapsing house of cards.
Though Benfica momentarily clung on—thanks to Di María converting from the spot after Malo Gusto’s handball—Chelsea flipped the script in extra time. Christopher Nkunku lifted the ball over Nicolás Otamendi with the composure of a ballerina balancing on a wire.
Three minutes later, Pedro Neto glided past defenders before finishing with ice in his veins. Finally, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed it in the 117th minute from a Cole Palmer assist, extinguishing Benfica’s hopes like a candle in a storm.
And breathe. Up the Chels!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/7E60FQv7mC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2025
The Numbers Don’t Lie – Chelsea Dominated the Stats Sheet
| Key Stats | Benfica | Chelsea |
| Possession | 36% | 64% |
| Shots | 8 | 22 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 12 |
| Touches in Opponent Box | 15 | 46 |
| Successful Final 3rd Passes | 48 | 220 |
| Corners | 2 | 10 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 | 3 |
| Clearances | 23 | 12 |
Chelsea bossed the ball with 64% possession, made nearly double the passes, and suffocated Benfica with 46 touches inside the box—more than triple Benfica’s count. Benfica’s only solace?
They led in clearances and duels, but that defensive grind eventually cracked under Chelsea’s relentless pressure.
What’s Next & Why This Match Mattered?
Chelsea will now play against Palmeiras, a team that is good at following plans and has a special style from South America. This was not only about going ahead in the tournament.
It was about hard work, being flexible, and Enzo Maresca’s clear plan when things got tough. For Benfica, this might be the end of a time—Di María’s goodbye now remembered with mixed feelings, a single goal among many missed chances.
The red card given to 18-year-old Prestianni will hurt for a long time. But their strength, at least until the dam broke, deserves praise.
Amit Mishra’s Commentary
As a writer, die-hard football journalist, and enthusiast, I know that this game had everything you want as a football fan—lightning delays, heartfelt goodbyes, a surprising red card, and an amazing extra-time show.
Positives:
- Chelsea showed they can dig deep and finish strong, with Enzo Maresca’s tactical subs shining under pressure.
- Nkunku’s return to the scoresheet felt like a renaissance waiting to erupt.
Negatives:
- Benfica’s lack of discipline cost them dearly.
- The long weather break disrupted momentum—and possibly robbed us of a more competitive finish in normal time.
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