In a thrilling clash for the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, Benfica and Chelsea drew 1-1 in regular time, with the match advancing to extra time at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on June 28, 2025. The spotlight fell on Gianluca Prestianni’s expulsion from Benfica at the 2nd minute of extra time after receiving a second yellow card for a harsh foul on Levi Colwill. The draw was sealed by a goal from Di María for Benfica at the 49th minute of the second half via a penalty kick. The match, marked by intense moments and a pause due to weather conditions, remains unresolved, with Chelsea aiming to capitalize on their numerical advantage. First 160 characters: “Benfica and Chelsea draw 1-1, but Prestianni is sent off at 2 minutes of extra time in a tense Club World Cup match.”
The game started with high intensity, and within the first minute, Prestianni was already in the spotlight, earning a yellow card for pushing Cole Palmer. Chelsea responded quickly, with Dewsbury-Hall shooting across goal, but Otamendi saved Benfica. The match remained balanced, with chances for both sides.
- Key early moments:
- 1’ – Yellow card for Prestianni for a foul on Palmer.
- 1’ – Dewsbury-Hall shoots, Otamendi intercepts.
- 5’ – Aktürkoglu shoots, but Sánchez saves.
Expulsion shapes extra time
At the 2nd minute of extra time, Prestianni committed a harsh foul on Colwill, receiving a second yellow card and a red. The expulsion left Benfica with one player fewer, altering the game’s dynamics. Chelsea began to press, but Benfica tightened defensively, maintaining the scoreline. The crowd at the stadium buzzed with tension as the coaches adjusted their strategies.
Prestianni’s foul sparked heated debates on the pitch. Deemed reckless by the referee, the incident was pivotal for the extra time’s progression. The player, already cautioned in the second half, left his team at a disadvantage at a critical moment.
Di María: the architect of the draw
In the second half, Benfica found their moment of brilliance with Ángel Di María. At the 49th minute, after a penalty was awarded for a handball by Gusto, the Argentine calmly slotted the ball past Sánchez, leveling the score at 1-1 and forcing extra time.
Di María was key in other moments, such as at the 52nd minute, when he received a pass from Aktürkoglu but shot straight at the defense. His experience and technical quality kept Benfica in the game, even after Prestianni’s dismissal.
Timeline of key moments
The match was packed with decisive moments that kept fans on edge. Here are the highlights:
- 1’ (1st half extra time): Prestianni receives a red card for a foul on Colwill.
- 49’ (2nd half): Di María scores a penalty to equalize for Benfica.
- 46’ (2nd half): Gusto commits a handball, VAR confirms penalty for Benfica.
- 11’ (1st half): Colwill receives a yellow card for a foul on Belotti.
- 13’ (1st half): Palmer shoots, Trubin makes a great save.
Weather delay disrupts rhythm
At the 40th minute of the second half, the game was halted due to adverse weather conditions, with lightning near the stadium. The interruption lasted about 30 minutes, with players returning to the pitch for a quick warm-up at 7:45 PM. English media reported the resumption at 8:07 PM, but the delay impacted the teams’ momentum.
When play resumed, Benfica tried to speed up, while Chelsea controlled possession. The pause, though necessary, posed an extra challenge for the players, who had to readjust to the game.
Tactics and substitutions in focus
Benfica’s coach, Bruno Lage, deployed a 3-4-3 formation, with Di María and Aktürkoglu leading the attack. Substitutions like Tiago Gouveia and João Veloso in the second half added energy to the midfield. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca used a 4-3-1-2 setup, with Palmer as the playmaker. The introductions of Nkunku and Gusto in the second half bolstered the attack, but the team failed to convert chances.
The tactical balance was clear, with Chelsea dominating possession and Benfica exploiting counterattacks. Prestianni’s expulsion, however, forced Lage to reorganize, prioritizing defense.
Missed chances and crucial saves
Both goalkeepers shone in the match. Benfica’s Trubin made key saves, like at the 13th minute of the first half, when he parried a shot from Palmer. Chelsea’s Sánchez was vital at the 5th minute, stopping a shot from Aktürkoglu. Missed opportunities, such as Prestianni’s poor shot at the 32nd minute of the second half, also defined the game.
Benfica had clear chances, especially in counterattacks led by Di María and Belotti. Chelsea created plays through Pedro Neto and Palmer but struggled against the opposing defense.
Disciplinary tension throughout
The match saw several cards. Beyond Prestianni’s red card, other players were booked:
- Palmer (1’ 1st half): yellow card for pushing Prestianni.
- Colwill (11’ 1st half): yellow for a foul on Belotti.
- Kökçü (37’ 2nd half): yellow for a foul on Pedro Neto.
- Dewsbury-Hall and António Silva (47’ 2nd half): yellows for dissent.
The refereeing was strict, particularly on the penalty and expulsion, sparking protests from both sides. VAR played a significant role in confirming critical calls.
Balance keeps the match open
With extra time ongoing, Chelsea seeks to exploit their numerical advantage, while Benfica relies on Di María’s experience to hold the draw. The clash remains undecided, with both teams vying for a spot in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. The crowd, despite unstable weather, continues to support fervently.
The match, blending European tradition and top-tier talent, maintains excitement until the final minutes of extra time. Every play is fiercely contested, and the outcome remains unpredictable.