Chelsea vs Benfica match delayed by storm, ends in 4-1 victory

The Club World Cup match in Charlotte delivered unexpected drama — Chelsea defeated Benfica 4-1 in a contest that lasted nearly five hours due to weather disruption.

Reece James put Chelsea ahead through a free kick in the 64th minute, but the match was halted four minutes before regular time due to extreme weather warning. Players and spectators at Bank of America Stadium had to evacuate for nearly two hours.

After the lengthy break, Ángel Di María equalized from the penalty spot in injury time — awarded for Malo Gusto’s handball. However, numerical advantage after Gianluca Prestianni’s red card allowed Chelsea to dominate extra time.

• Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring in extra time
• Pedro Neto extended the lead with his third goal in four matches
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed victory with the fourth goal

“For me personally this is not football. It’s already seven or eight games that they suspended. I think it’s a joke,” stated Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticizing the tournament organization.

Chelsea will now face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals next week, with Moisés Caicedo suspended due to card accumulation.