Benfica vs Chelsea

The last-16 match between Benfica and Chelsea took place on June 28, 2025, at the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina. Kick-off was at 4:00 PM local time (2:30 AM IST on June 29). The game was notably disrupted by a severe lightning storm, causing a nearly two-hour delay just five minutes before full time, making it one of the longest matches in the tournament’s history.

Match Overview

Chelsea secured a 4-1 victory over a resilient Benfica side after extra time in a weather-affected thriller. The English Premier League club took the lead through Reece James’s exquisite free-kick in the 64th minute. However, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second yellow card two minutes into injury time, but Ángel Di María kept Benfica’s hopes alive by converting a penalty in the 95th minute, forcing the match into extra time.

In the second period of extra time, Chelsea dominated with three quick goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall within nine minutes, sealing a comprehensive win and setting up a quarterfinal against Palmeiras.

Match Conditions and Impact of Weather

The match was halted due to a lightning storm near the stadium, activating safety protocols and forcing players and fans to evacuate for almost two hours. The delay affected the momentum, with Chelsea appearing sluggish after the restart, allowing Benfica to equalize late in regular time. However, Chelsea’s superior fitness and squad depth shone through in extra time.

Attendance and Venue

• Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Attendance: Approximately 25,929 spectators witnessed the match despite the weather disruptions.

Key Moments and Stats

• Reece James (Chelsea): Scored the opening goal with a sublime curled free-kick in the 64th minute, showcasing his set-piece mastery.
• Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica): Sent off in the 92nd minute for a second bookable offense, reducing Benfica to 10 men.
• Ángel Di María (Benfica): Scored a crucial penalty in the 95th minute to equalize and push the match into extra time.
• Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): Scored early in the second half of extra time, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to restore Chelsea’s lead.
• Pedro Neto (Chelsea): Added a third goal with a composed finish in the 114th minute.
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea): Completed the scoring in the 117th minute, sealing Chelsea’s progression.

Goals and Ball Position Timeline

• 64’ – Reece James (Chelsea): Free-kick goal, right-footed curler from just outside the box, top right corner. Chelsea had 62% possession in the 10 minutes leading up to the goal, pressing high and forcing Benfica deep.
• 92’ – Gabriele Prestianni (Benfica): Sent off (second yellow). Benfica down to 10 men, ball position shifted to 68% Chelsea in the next 5 minutes.
• 95’ – Ángel Di María (Benfica): Penalty goal after a rare Benfica counter; possession at the time was 60% Chelsea, but Benfica capitalized on a quick transition.
• 108’ – Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): Scored after a sweeping move down the left, finishing a low cross from Pedro Neto. Chelsea dominated extra time with 72% possession.
• 114’ – Pedro Neto (Chelsea): Finished a flowing team move, ball position had Chelsea camped in Benfica’s final third for nearly three minutes.
• 117’ – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea): Added a fourth, finishing from close range after a cutback from Cole Palmer. Chelsea’s possession in extra time was 70%.

Key Match Stats