Benfica and Chelsea met at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. In a standout moment, Reece James broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick goal for the Premier League side.
In the first European clash of the Round of 16, Chelsea entered as favorites after creating several quality chances, only to be denied by Benfica’s goalkeeper or last-ditch defending — including one effort cleared off the line. With the score still level, James stepped up to deliver when it mattered most.
Taking a set piece from a tight angle, James appeared to line up a cross — but instead went straight for goal. The English right back caught Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin off guard, slotting the ball inside the near post. With Trubin positioned just a step off his line, James’s effort found the back of the net in the 64th minute to give Chelsea a 1–0 lead.
It was another reminder of James’s set-piece brilliance. Despite a season limited by injuries, in which he played just 1,627 minutes across 29 matches, the Chelsea captain has now scored two direct free kicks — the first coming earlier this year against Bournemouth.
Weather delay halts play late in match
Following the goal, Benfica ramped up the pressure in search of an equalizer. Chelsea dropped deeper to protect their lead and even had a second goal — scored by Liam Delap — ruled out for offside. But just as the match neared its conclusion, conditions took a turn.
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Why is the Benfica vs. Chelsea second half delayed at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
With a storm approaching, FIFA’s weather protocol was triggered in the 86th minute. Players and fans were directed to move indoors at Bank of America Stadium, forcing a temporary suspension of the match. Chelsea will now have to wait a little longer to punch their ticket to the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
