English club Chelsea have advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 4-1 victory over Benfica. The match, which was delayed due to bad weather, concluded on Sunday morning and delivered high-stakes football with plenty of action.
Chelsea took the lead in the 64th minute through Reece James, but Benfica equalized deep into injury time when Ángel Di María converted a penalty. The score was locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, pushing the match into extra time.
Just before extra time began, Benfica were reduced to 10 men as Gianluca Prestianni received a red card in the 91st minute. Chelsea took full control in the added period. Christopher Nkunku found the net in the 108th minute, followed by Pedro Neto’s goal in the 114th, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the win with a strike in the 117th minute.
The 4-1 win sends Chelsea through to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, where they will now face Brazilian side Palmeiras. Palmeiras reached the last eight by defeating fellow Brazilian club Botafogo 1-0 in another pre-quarterfinal match.
The Chelsea vs Palmeiras quarterfinal is expected to be a thrilling battle between two strong contenders aiming for Club World Cup glory.
