Benfica vs Chelsea: Key Highlights from FIFA Club World Cup Match

On June 28, 2025, Benfica faced Chelsea in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match commenced at 21:00 BST, with both teams vying for a quarter-final berth against Brazilian side Palmeiras.

As the match approached, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed his team's determination, stating, "We are very motivated, we are here to try to do our best and to win the game and hopefully we can do that." Maresca emphasized the need for squad rotation due to the tournament's demanding schedule.

Chelsea entered the match with a solid record, having won 16 out of their last 22 games across all competitions. They faced Benfica, who were looking to break a streak of seven games without a win against English teams, last achieving victory against Tottenham Hotspur in March 2014. Benfica's manager Bruno Lage noted the confidence gained from their previous game against Bayern Munich, saying, "If we play with the same belief and be aggressive... we believe that we can beat Chelsea."

Both teams had significant players missing due to injuries. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was sidelined after a minor training injury, leading to Robert Sánchez starting in goal. Benfica's Angel Di María, who had emerged as a key player in the tournament, was highlighted by Maresca as someone to watch: "Di María is showing the big player that he is. We need to pay attention to him."

Historically, Chelsea had an edge over Benfica, winning all three of their previous encounters, including two UEFA Champions League matches and one UEFA Europa League final. However, the current form of both teams indicated that the outcome was uncertain.

The match itself was a culmination of strategic preparations and player performances. Chelsea aimed to capitalize on their attacking prowess, led by Enzo Fernández, who had notable contributions in previous matches. The anticipation for this fixture was heightened by the prospect of advancing further in the tournament, which carries substantial financial rewards, including a potential £9.6 million for the winner.

As the players were introduced in a manner reminiscent of American sports, the atmosphere built towards kick-off. Chelsea fans were hopeful, given their team's recent successes and tactical adjustments, while Benfica supporters were bolstered by the historical significance of the matchup.

In conclusion, the Benfica vs Chelsea clash in the FIFA Club World Cup represented not just a battle for progression in the tournament but also a test of resilience and strategy for both teams. As they prepared to face each other on the pitch, the implications of this match extended beyond immediate results, influencing the broader narratives of their respective seasons and international club competition dynamics.

For further updates and detailed statistics on the match, fans can follow the ongoing commentary and analyses available through various sports news outlets.