Benfica Vs Chelsea

Benfica and Chelsea are set to collide in an electrifying all-European clash at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, as the FIFA Club World Cup progresses into its knockout phase on Saturday. The encounter, forming part of the round-of-16 stage, guarantees the victor a date with one of Brazil’s formidable outfits—either Palmeiras or Botafogo—in the eagerly anticipated quarter-finals scheduled for July 5. This match-up brings together two European giants at different stages of evolution, both with ambitions of global recognition in a competition that is increasingly drawing serious attention for its prestige and financial rewards.

Benfica, one of Portugal’s most historic and decorated football clubs, are experiencing their maiden journey at the Club World Cup, and they have already made a significant impression. Drawn into Group C, the Lisbon-based side managed to finish top with seven points, sealing their passage to the knockout rounds in commendable style. Their opening match was a dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors, a performance that demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit. That was followed by an emphatic 6-0 demolition of Oceania champions Auckland City, a match that showed their offensive potential and growing confidence on the global stage.

But it was their third group game that truly underscored their credentials. Facing German champions Bayern Munich, Benfica were underdogs on paper, yet they executed a disciplined, determined performance to clinch a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup provided the decisive moment with a cool finish in the 13th minute, while Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin stood firm under immense pressure to preserve the clean sheet. Playing in oppressive heat that touched 37°C, Benfica demonstrated both mental and physical fortitude in managing the contest effectively and seeing out the narrow win.

That triumph was not only their first ever competitive victory over Bayern but also enough to place them ahead of the Bundesliga giants atop Group C. This outcome raised eyebrows among pundits and fans alike, with many initially underestimating their potential in this tournament. Head coach Bruno Lage acknowledged as much after the match, expressing both pride in his squad and a desire to shift perceptions. In a candid post-match interview, he challenged the broader football community—and Benfica supporters themselves—to have greater belief in the project he is spearheading, citing the hard work and collective spirit that has been central to their progress.

Had Benfica stumbled in that final group match and finished as runners-up instead, they would have been drawn against another daunting Brazilian force in Flamengo. That alternate path has now been avoided, but their challenge remains stiff in the form of Chelsea—a club with whom they share a competitive and rather painful history. In fact, Benfica have faced Chelsea three times in UEFA competitions, and each time, they have ended up on the losing side. Most notably, the Portuguese outfit was narrowly beaten 2-1 by the English side in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, conceding a heartbreaking last-minute goal in Amsterdam that denied them a major continental triumph.

The broader picture isn’t much more optimistic from Benfica’s standpoint, either. Against English opponents in general, Benfica’s record is mixed at best. Out of 40 meetings with English clubs, they have suffered 21 defeats, won 11, and drawn eight times. While such history does not determine future outcomes, it does add a psychological layer to Saturday’s game. Benfica are not just facing Chelsea; they are confronting a legacy of disappointment against Premier League sides that they are eager to rewrite.

On the other hand, Chelsea approach this fixture as seasoned veterans of international club competition. The Blues, winners of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, have been undergoing something of a transitional phase under new head coach Enzo Maresca. Their Group D campaign began with uncertainty, most notably a 3-1 loss to Flamengo that placed them in a precarious position. However, Maresca made sweeping changes to his lineup for their third and final group-stage fixture against Esperance Tunis, and his decisions were vindicated as the Blues cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win in Philadelphia.

That performance restored confidence and ensured their qualification for the knockout stage as group runners-up. Tosin Adarabioyo, recently recruited to reinforce the defense, opened the scoring with a towering header, while promising young striker Liam Delap netted his first goal for the club just before halftime—a moment of personal and symbolic significance. Tyrique George added a late third, capping off a polished display that hinted at Chelsea’s strength in depth and growing fluidity under Maresca’s tactical blueprint.

The outcome of Group D placed Chelsea on the opposite half of the bracket from some of the tournament’s heavyweight contenders, such as Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and potentially Real Madrid—should the Spanish side win Group H. While that offers a marginally less daunting route to the final, it also comes with its own pressures and expectations. Facing Benfica is no straightforward task, and Maresca made that clear in his pre-match remarks. The Italian tactician was quick to praise their opponents, calling them “a top club, with a top manager and top players.” He insisted that Chelsea would need to be at their absolute best to overcome the challenge posed by the Portuguese side, describing the forthcoming match as “tough” and demanding.

Financially, the tournament has already proved to be a lucrative venture for Chelsea. The club has pocketed around £28 million in prize money during the course of their campaign—an amount that nearly offsets the £30 million spent on acquiring Delap in the summer transfer window. If they were to win the competition outright, Chelsea stand to earn close to £100 million, a windfall that would significantly bolster their financial position and potentially provide further funds for squad strengthening ahead of the new season. The lure of that reward adds another layer of intensity and motivation to their campaign.

When it comes to head-to-head comparisons between English and Portuguese clubs, Chelsea will also draw confidence from their historical superiority. In 15 previous competitive meetings against Portuguese teams, the West Londoners have won 11, drawn one, and lost just three. During that run, they’ve netted 23 goals, showcasing a consistent ability to break down defenses from the Iberian Peninsula. Such statistics are likely to provide both players and fans with belief as they prepare to take the field on Saturday evening.

Still, football rarely follows the script, particularly in tournaments of this nature where one-off games can be decided by fine margins, individual brilliance, or moments of lapse in concentration. Benfica, buoyed by their group-stage success and the tactical acumen of Bruno Lage, are not here to simply make up the numbers. They arrive with momentum, purpose, and a collective desire to prove that they belong among the elite. Players like Schjelderup, Trubin, and João Neves are rapidly emerging as key figures, capable of making an impact even against the biggest names in the sport.

Chelsea, conversely, will look to lean on their experience, squad depth, and the blend of youth and leadership that defines their current roster. The likes of Conor Gallagher, Levi Colwill, and Raheem Sterling may be pivotal if they are to navigate this test and progress to the latter stages of the competition. Tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and game management will all be essential if Maresca’s side is to avoid an upset against a well-drilled and hungry opponent.

In the end, the clash between Benfica and Chelsea promises to be more than just a battle for quarter-final qualification. It’s a collision of ambitions, of legacy versus aspiration, and of continental pedigree against a rising force. The Bank of America Stadium will serve as the stage for what could be a classic encounter in this expanded Club World Cup format. With both teams carrying belief, narrative weight, and quality into the fixture, spectators can expect a tightly contested affair with everything to play for and nothing guaranteed.