Chelsea Advances to Club World Cup Quarterfinals Beating Benfica 4-1 After Extra Time

Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica, with the match notably delayed for nearly two hours due to lightning. Reece James opened the scoring with a free-kick before a stoppage-time penalty allowed Angel Di Maria to equalize for Benfica. However, Chelsea capitalized on a red card shown to Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in extra time, with Christopher Nkunku scoring the decisive goal followed by Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adding late goals. Pedro Neto, praised by Chelsea manager Bruno Lage as one of the best wingers globally, has been instrumental with three goals in three appearances at the tournament. Chelsea will face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, continuing their strong run in the competition. Additionally, Chelsea secured a £55 million deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens, who is expected to debut later in the summer.