CHARLOTTE: Chelsea defeated 10-man Benfica with three late goals in extra time during a remarkable Club World Cup last-16 match that lasted over four hours and included nearly a two-hour weather delay.
Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in the second half of extra time in Charlotte, North Carolina, securing Chelsea’s spot in the quarter-finals.
Chelsea seemed poised for a straightforward win after Reece James’ stunning near-post free-kick in the 64th minute, which appeared to be the match-winner.
However, with just four minutes remaining, the match was paused due to thunderstorms. After a lengthy delay, play resumed, and Benfica scored with their first shot on target to force extra time.
Angel di Maria, in his final match for Benfica, converted a penalty in the 94th minute following a Chelsea handball, leveling the score at 1-1.
Two yellow cards, one in the 96th minute and another early in extra time, resulted in Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni being sent off for a late foul on Levi Colwill.
Chelsea capitalized on their numerical advantage, setting up a Friday quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.
The match drew just 25,929 fans in the 74,867-seat Bank of America Stadium. Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile suffered an injury and left on crutches, while star midfielder Moises Caicedo received his second yellow card of the tournament, resulting in a one-match suspension.
(Inputs from BBC)
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