High Stakes, High Drama at the Bank of America Stadium
If you wanted fireworks in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Benfica vs. Chelsea didn’t disappoint. On June 28th, Charlotte’s soaked Bank of America Stadium turned into a battleground where both teams gambled big, and Chelsea walked away with a jaw-dropping 4-1 win after extra time. Kickoff was set for 3 p.m. ET, with fans tuning in across different time zones—some even before breakfast—to catch the action live. Access wasn’t a problem either; BeIN Sports had everyone covered, and Premier League streaming platforms kept UK viewers in the loop. Tech-savvy fans in blackout areas just dusted off their VPNs and joined in on the drama.
Benfica rode into this knockout clash on a cloud of confidence. Topping their group, they had just edged past Bayern Munich 1-0, a result that sent shockwaves through European football’s elite. Their squad, stacked with talent like the seasoned Ángel Di María, energetic João Neves, and midfield engine Florentino Luis, looked ready for anything. Chelsea, meanwhile, had a rougher group-stage ride. After stumbling to a 3-1 loss against Flamengo, questions swirled about their form. But a sharp 3-0 win over Esperance de Tunis steadied the ship, setting the stage for another meeting with Benfica—the first since that unforgettable 2013 Europa League final decided by Branislav Ivanović’s last-gasp header.
Twists, Red Cards, and a Chelsea Onslaught
The game itself was a chess match in the first 90 minutes. Benfica’s slick passing found its way into Chelsea’s box again and again, but the Londoners—guided from the back by Reece James—never let the Portuguese side get comfortable. Tension peaked in extra time. Just as things looked balanced, disaster struck for Benfica: G Prestianni saw red in the 92nd minute for a reckless challenge. Down to 10 men, Benfica lost the midfield grip that had served them so well.
Almost immediately, Ángel Di María coolly converted a penalty in the 95th minute, igniting hope in the Benfica camp. But Chelsea, finally smelling blood, unleashed their attacking arsenal. Reece James, who captained with iron discipline, netted the equalizer in the 64th minute, setting off a relentless avalanche. The second period of extra time saw Christopher Nkunku push Chelsea ahead in the 108th, with Noni Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall piling on in the 114th and 117th minutes. At 4-1, the contest was beyond rescue for Benfica—a testament to Chelsea’s hunger and refusal to fade, regardless of previous wobbles.
This match was more than just a quarterfinal—it was a showcase for global football fans on why knockout tournaments never let you blink. Access was easier than ever; whether you had BeIN Sports on the big screen or quietly streamed with a VPN from a coffee shop, missing the match wasn’t an option for diehard supporters. The showdown spiked interest in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and set a bar that upcoming knockout ties will struggle to match.