Chelsea Crush Benfica 4-1 After Wild Weather Delay Sees Club World Cup Drama Stretch Past Four Hours
Chelsea Power Through Marathon Clash to Club World Cup Quarter-Finals
No one expected a routine night of football in Charlotte, but even seasoned fans were caught off guard by the chaos of Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Benfica. The match wasn’t just long—it was epic, dragging out over four hours after severe storms forced officials to hit pause during the second half. Players iced down on the sidelines, staff kept refreshing weather apps, and fans wondered if the action would ever return. After a sixth tournament weather delay, frustration was building among organizers, teams, and viewers alike.
This bizarre stop-and-start didn’t slow down Chelsea. The London side eventually wore down a tenacious Benfica squad, leaving the Portuguese giants drenched both from rain and the relentless pressure in extra time. Liam Delap, usually in the headlines for loan spells, finally snatched his first Chelsea goal at a crucial moment, kickstarting an onslaught that Benfica just couldn’t answer. Three goals in extra time—helped by fresher legs and a clear intent to make up for lost time—showed why Enzo Maresca’s team is being tipped as serious contenders for this trophy.
But let’s not pretend Benfica folded easily. Ángel Di María, on the verge of a career homecoming to Rosario Central, summoned class for a consolation strike, adding one last flicker to their campaign. Yet discipline faltered at the worst time, and a late sending-off only deepened their misery. The penalty that tilted the match for Chelsea didn’t help, sparking animated protests from the Benfica bench, but VAR confirmed the call. Moments later, a superb Chelsea free-kick from the edge of the box ended any hopes of a Portuguese comeback.
Weather-related delays have haunted the tournament, forcing everyone from global broadcasters to equipment staff to improvise. It wasn’t just the players’ muscles tested; patience wore thin everywhere. When play finally resumed, Chelsea’s bench depth shone through. Benfica, short of options, began to visibly fade—their pressing eased, passes slowed, gaps appeared, and the Blues took full advantage. Chelsea’s extra firepower in the dying stages proved the difference, while Maresca’s tactical switches kept energy up and minds alert.
What Comes Next for Chelsea and Benfica?
This win pushes Chelsea into the last eight, where they’ll face either Flamengo or Al-Hilal in what could be just as unpredictable, given recent weather patterns. For Benfica, there’s some pride in how they hung on through a mess of tricky circumstances, but another early exit leaves plenty to stew over as they regroup.
The tournament organizers now face big questions about scheduling in extreme conditions. After six weather-related stoppages, finding a solution that keeps players safe without ruining the spectacle has never felt more urgent. But on the pitch, at least, Chelsea’s ability to adapt shone through. They’ll hope for drier skies—and another night to remember—in the next round.