Chelsea overcome Club World Cup weather delay, set up Palmeiras quarter-final

 Chelsea overcome Club World Cup weather delay, set up Palmeiras quarter-final

In one of the most dramatic games in recent memory, Chelsea overcame Benfica 4-1 after extra time in a Club World Cup match that lasted nearly five hours, including a two-hour weather delay. The match, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, saw goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall seal Chelsea’s spot in the quarter-finals, where they’ll face Palmeiras.

Chelsea led 1-0 through Reece James until a storm halted play in the dying minutes. After the break, Benfica equalized via an Angel Di Maria penalty, sending the game to extra time. Down to 10 men, Benfica fought hard, but Chelsea’s depth and energy proved too much.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras also booked their place in the quarter-finals after a Paulinho winner helped them defeat domestic rivals Botafogo 1-0 in Philadelphia.

Chelsea now return to Philadelphia to continue their quest for Club World Cup glory.