Benfica and Chelsea collide in the last 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this Saturday in Charlotte, with a place in the quarter-finals — and a guaranteed tie against a Brazilian powerhouse (Palmeiras or Botafogo) — on the line.
Yes, you heard that right! Two clubs from opposite ends of Europe are set to fight for continental bragging rights on U.S. soil in what promises to be a fierce tactical chess match.
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Benfica Rising Like a Phoenix
Bruno Lage’s Benfica have taken the tournament by storm, topping Group C ahead of heavyweights Bayern Munich. After rescuing a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors, the Portuguese side blitzed Auckland City 6-0 before grinding out a gritty 1-0 win over Bayern in sweltering 37°C heat.
Andreas Schjelderup’s early strike against the Bundesliga giants, coupled with Anatoliy Trubin’s heroics in goal, helped secure their historic first competitive win over Bayern. According to reports, Lage feels his side was underestimated and now urges fans to “believe more in the work we are doing.”
Had they finished second, Benfica would’ve drawn Flamengo. Instead, they’ll face Chelsea — a familiar foe. The scars of a last-minute defeat in the 2013 Europa League final still linger, and with just 11 wins in 40 matches against English clubs, the odds are stacked.
🚨Benfica vs Chelsea
R16 FIFA Club World Cup
Saturday, 9pm (UK) in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/8UGJcCzllE— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) June 25, 2025
Chelsea’s Response Has Teeth
Chelsea’s rocky road included a 3-1 humbling by Flamengo, but Enzo Maresca’s men bounced back in Philadelphia with a commanding 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis. The report also stated that Maresca rang the changes — eight of them — and was rewarded with goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George.
Delap, signed for £30m, opened his account at the perfect time. Chelsea, already pocketing £28m from this campaign, stand to gain close to £100m if they lift the trophy again — for the first time since 2021.
Maresca isn’t underestimating Benfica, calling them “a top club, with a top manager and top players.” But with a record of 11 wins in 15 ties against Portuguese opposition, Chelsea are expected to rise to the occasion.
Who’s In, Who’s Out — Team News Rundown
Benfica are without Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and likely Florentino Luis. However, Andrea Belotti returns from suspension and will compete with red-hot Pavlidis, who already has 30 goals this season. Di Maria — yes, still dazzling at 37 — has netted three penalties so far.
Chelsea remained without Wesley Fofana and suspended Nicolas Jackson. Delap will lead the line again. Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and possibly Reece James could return to inject fresh energy into the lineup. Fernandez, set to face his former club, will pair with Caicedo in midfield.
Possible Starting XIs
| Benfica (4-2-3-1) | Chelsea (4-2-3-1) |
| Trubin | Sanchez |
| Aursnes | James |
| Silva | Tosin |
| Otamendi | Colwill |
| Carreras | Cucurella |
| Barreiro | Caicedo |
| Sanches | Fernandez |
| Di Maria | Neto |
| Prestianni | Palmer |
| Schjelderup | Madueke |
| Pavlidis | Delap |
Amit Mishra’s Final Take
As a writer and die-hard football journalist and enthusiast:
Positives:
- The all-European tie in an international setting adds spice — like paprika on popcorn.
- Both teams have redemption arcs: Benfica fighting history, Chelsea chasing consistency.
- Tactical battle between Lage’s structure and Maresca’s transitions is worth every second.
Negatives:
- Benfica’s squad depth is concerning. Injuries may bite.
- Chelsea’s inconsistency could turn them from kings to clowns in 90 minutes.
- This isn’t just another knockout tie — it’s a battle of legacy, revenge, and survival under the American sun.
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