An extraordinary match lasting over four hours saw Chelsea beat Benfica 4-1 after extra-time and a weather delay
Chelsea advanced to the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time win over 10-man Benfica in a match that lasted over four hours and was interrupted by nearly two hours of extreme weather in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The game was halted with just four minutes remaining in regular time due to thunderstorms. Upon resumption, Benfica equalised with their first shot on target, as Angel di Maria—playing his final game for the club—converted a 94th-minute penalty following a Chelsea handball.
Chelsea had led through Reece James’ superb near-post free-kick in the 64th minute, which had looked to be the winner until the late weather-induced chaos.
Benfica were reduced to 10 men early in extra time when teenager Gianluca Prestianni was sent off after two yellow cards, the second for a reckless challenge on Levi Colwill.
Chelsea capitalised, scoring three times in the second period of extra time through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to seal progression.
The match, held at the 74,867-capacity Bank of America Stadium, drew just 25,929 fans. Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile left on crutches with an injury, while Moises Caicedo picked up a second yellow of the tournament and will miss the quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday.