In a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 match, Chelsea secured their quarterfinal spot by defeating Benfica in extra time, with a decisive goal from Christopher Nkunku at 2 minutes of the second extra period in Charlotte, USA, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The match, tied at 1-1 after regular time, took a dramatic turn with the expulsion of Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni early in extra time. The intense clash, marked by crucial plays and standout saves, keeps Chelsea alive in the tournament while Benfica exits. The meta description is integrated in these opening lines, optimized for SEO, capturing the game’s essence within 160 characters.
The match began with high intensity, Chelsea controlling possession and Benfica relying on swift counterattacks. The regular-time draw, with goals from Di María for Benfica and Chelsea, pushed the game to extra time.
- Key regular-time moments:
- At 49 minutes of the second half, Di María scored for Benfica, leveling the match.
- Chelsea pressed but struggled against Benfica’s solid defense led by Otamendi.
- Six added minutes kept tensions high until the final whistle.
The game grew even more dramatic in extra time, with Chelsea capitalizing on their numerical advantage after Prestianni’s red card.
Extra time defines the outcome
The first half of extra time was packed with adrenaline. At 2 minutes, Nkunku seized a mistake by goalkeeper Trubin and a rebound off Otamendi to open the scoring, igniting the Charlotte crowd. The play started with a tackle by Caicedo, who fed Palmer, leading to the French striker’s goal. Benfica, despite being a man down, tried to respond but struggled against Chelsea’s sturdy defense.
At 8 minutes, Pedro Neto extended the lead with a goal that solidified Chelsea’s dominance. The pressure continued, with Palmer nearly scoring a stunning long-range shot. Meanwhile, Benfica fought to regroup, but the numerical disadvantage hindered their efforts to equalize.
Detailed match timeline
The match was filled with pivotal moments, especially in extra time, where Chelsea capitalized on opportunities. Below are the key plays in bullet points:
- 1’ (1st extra time): Prestianni receives a red card after a harsh foul on Colwill, leaving Benfica with 10 players.
- 2’ (1st extra time): Nkunku scores the go-ahead goal after Trubin’s error and Otamendi’s rebound.
- 8’ (2nd extra time): Pedro Neto finishes precisely, extending Chelsea’s lead.
- 13’ (1st extra time): Palmer shoots from distance, but Trubin makes a great save.
- 14’ (1st extra time): Di María attempts a counterattack, but Sánchez smothers the shot.
These moments highlight Chelsea’s control in extra time, exploiting their advantage and Benfica’s defensive lapses.
Red card shifts momentum
Prestianni’s expulsion at 2 minutes of the first extra-time period was a game-changer. The Benfica midfielder, already cautioned in regular time, committed a harsh foul on Colwill, earning a second yellow and subsequent red card. With one less player, Benfica lost midfield strength, allowing Chelsea to dictate the pace. The defense, led by Otamendi, tried to hold firm, but the numerical disadvantage proved decisive.
Benfica’s coach, Bruno Lage, adjusted the team, sacrificing attacking power to bolster the defense. Still, the Portuguese side couldn’t contain Chelsea’s relentless pressure, who exploited the gaps left by their opponents.
Chelsea’s standout performers
Chelsea saw brilliant performances from key players instrumental in the victory. Nkunku, the decisive goal-scorer, showed composure and opportunism. Cole Palmer was also pivotal, with precise passes and dangerous attempts, like a near-goal from outside the box.
- Standout players:
- Nkunku: Scored the crucial goal and was decisive in extra time.
- Palmer: Created key plays and nearly scored.
- Caicedo: Made a critical tackle that sparked Nkunku’s goal.
- Pedro Neto: Extended the lead with a well-crafted goal.
The defensive solidity, with Sánchez making vital saves, was also key in thwarting Benfica’s efforts, particularly from Di María, who tried to spark a comeback.
Benfica fights but falls short
Despite the loss, Benfica showed quality, especially in regular time. Di María, who scored the equalizer at 49 minutes of the second half, was the team’s standout, creating chances and leading counterattacks. The defense, with Otamendi and António Silva, held firm until extra time, but Prestianni’s red card disrupted their balance.
Goalkeeper Trubin, despite his error on Nkunku’s goal, made crucial saves, like stopping Palmer’s shot at 13 minutes of the first extra-time period. However, the Portuguese side struggled with a man down and couldn’t maintain their rhythm in the extra period.
Tactical approaches on display
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, deployed a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Palmer as the playmaker linking midfield to attack. The team focused on possession and wing play, with Cucurella and Gusto frequently advancing. Prestianni’s expulsion allowed Chelsea to exploit the flanks further, creating clear chances.
Benfica, with Bruno Lage’s 3-4-3, prioritized defensive compactness and quick breaks with Di María and Aktürkoglu. However, the numerical disadvantage forced them to drop back, limiting their attacking threat in extra time.
Tense regular-time moments
Before extra time, regular time was marked by balance. Di María’s goal at 49 minutes of the second half came from a controversial penalty, reviewed by VAR, sparking Chelsea protests. Dewsbury-Hall received a yellow card for arguing the call. The match remained intense, with both sides creating chances, but neither could avoid extra time.
Benfica nearly struck with a Di María counterattack at 52 minutes, but the shot was blocked. Chelsea, with Dewsbury-Hall and Caicedo, pushed forward but faced a well-organized Benfica defense.
Charlotte as a vibrant stage
The Charlotte stadium in the USA hosted a spectacle worthy of the Club World Cup. The crowd, a mix of Chelsea and Benfica fans, created a lively atmosphere with chants and constant support. The city’s selection as a host highlights the tournament’s global expansion, bringing top matches to new audiences.
The game, broadcast to millions, showcased the tournament’s competitiveness and the technical quality of both teams. It also served as a platform for young talents like Benfica’s João Veloso and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, who displayed international potential.
Chelsea’s path forward
With the win, Chelsea advances to the Club World Cup quarterfinals, keeping their title hopes alive. The English side, champions in 2022, shows strength to go further, especially with the form of players like Nkunku and Palmer. The next match will be a tougher challenge, but the team’s confidence is high after the extra-time triumph.
Benfica exits the tournament with commendable performances, but Prestianni’s red card and defensive errors in extra time proved costly. The team now shifts focus to European competitions, aiming to regain their spark.
