Chelsea's Marathon Match: Weather, Drama, and a Last-Minute Hero

A Four-Hour Marathon Against Benfica

Chelsea's path to the Club World Cup last eight was anything but ordinary. The match against Benfica turned into an epic four-hour ordeal due to a thunderstorm and a controversial penalty.

Early Lead and Weather Interruption

The game started smoothly, with Chelsea taking an early lead through Reece James' stunning free-kick. However, the weather had other plans. With just five minutes left, the referee halted play, sending players and fans scrambling for cover. The severe weather protocol was invoked, causing a delay of over an hour.

Penalty Drama and Red Card

When play resumed, Benfica equalized through a penalty, finished coolly by Angel Di Maria. The drama continued when Benfica's Gianluca Prestiani was sent off, giving Chelsea a man advantage.

Nkunku's Decisive Goal

In extra time, Christopher Nkunku, who had seemingly fallen out of favor, scored the winning goal. This crucial moment secured Chelsea's victory and a spot in the next round against Palmeiras.

Resilience and Controversy

The match showcased Chelsea's resilience and ability to win under pressure. However, it also raised questions about weather delay protocols and the impact of VAR on the game.

A Test of Endurance

The four-hour match was a rollercoaster of emotions for Chelsea's players and fans. The team's focus and ability to capitalize on Benfica's mistakes were impressive. Yet, the match also highlighted the need for better stadium infrastructure to handle extreme weather conditions.

Chelsea's victory was hard-earned, but the journey was far from smooth.