⚡ Benfica vs Chelsea: Madness, Magic & A Stormy Night

What happens when two European giants clash on a global stage, only for nature to crash the party? You get a night like no other — filled with wonder goals, a dramatic penalty, and a match delay longer than some movies.

💥 Act 1: Free-Kick Fire

Reece James reminded everyone why he’s one of Chelsea’s most gifted players. With a stunning free-kick in the 64th minute, he gave the Blues a dream start against Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup showdown.

“It’s not just about scoring – it’s about announcing you’re back,” said a commentator as James celebrated.

🌩️ Act 2: The Sky Breaks Open

Then… everything stopped. Lightning cracked through the sky. The stadium? Silenced. What followed was a jaw-dropping 2-hour delay that left fans drenched and players mentally drained.

“It’s a joke,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fumed after the game. “You can’t expect players to pause their minds for that long.”

🎯 Act 3: Di María’s Farewell Strike

Just when Chelsea thought they had it in the bag, Benfica legend Ángel Di María stepped up for a penalty in the 95th minute. Cool. Composed. Net. 1-1. A swan song of pure class before he heads back to Argentina.

🔥 Extra-Time Mayhem

What followed was a masterclass. Down to 10 men after Gianluca Prestianni’s red card, Benfica were overwhelmed. Chelsea came alive. Goals from Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Dewsbury‑Hall sealed the deal. 4-1. Domination.

🌎 What’s Next?

Chelsea now move forward to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals — brimming with confidence, spirit, and storm-tested resilience.

“If this match was a movie, the title would be: *Lightning Strikes, Lions Roar*.”

⚽ Benfica vs Chelsea
Club World Cup 2025