In a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 fixture, Chelsea triumphed over 10-man Benfica with a 4-1 victory after extra time.
The highly anticipated match was held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.
Chelsea initially took the lead when Reece James scored from a direct free kick.
However, the game experienced a significant interruption; it was suspended in the 86th minute for nearly two hours due to severe weather in the area.
Upon resumption, Benfica found a late equalizer deep in stoppage time.
Angel Di Maria scored from the penalty spot after VAR identified a handball by Malo Gusto. This goal momentarily shifted momentum towards Benfica.
However, Benfica’s fortunes quickly turned in extra time.
Gianluca Prestianni was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on Levi Colwill, leading to a red card early in extra time and reducing Benfica to 10 men.
This left Chelsea with a significant advantage.
With the man advantage, Chelsea regained their lead in the 108th minute when Christopher Nkunku finished off a scruffy rebound.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reportedly celebrated Nkunku’s goal with great passion.
Chelsea then sealed their victory with two more late goals.
Pedro Neto scored in the 115th minute, marking his third goal of the tournament.
This was followed by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s delicate chip into the bottom corner in the 117th minute, bringing the final score to 4-1.
The match was described as a “wild” and “crazy” game.
Chelsea will now advance to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, where they are scheduled to face Palmeiras on Friday, July 4, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The Chelsea players will have six days to rest before their next match, which is a welcome break in the arduous tournament schedule.