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

Chelsea's journey to the Club World Cup last eight was anything but straightforward. The match against Benfica turned into a four-hour marathon due to a thunderstorm and a controversial penalty. The game started normally, with Chelsea taking an early lead thanks to Reece James' stunning free-kick. However, the weather had other plans. The referee stopped the game with five minutes left, sending players and fans scrambling for cover. The severe weather protocol kicked in, causing a delay of over an hour. When play resumed, Benfica equalized through a penalty, thanks to Angel Di Maria's cool finish. The drama didn't end there. Benfica's Gianluca Prestiani was sent off, giving Chelsea a man advantage. In extra time, Christopher Nkunku, who seemed to have fallen out of favor, scored the winning goal. It was a crucial moment for Chelsea, who will now face Palmeiras in the next round. The match was a testament to Chelsea's resilience and ability to win under pressure. However, it also raised questions about the handling of weather delays and the impact of VAR on the game. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Chelsea's players and fans enduring a grueling four hours. The team's ability to stay focused and capitalize on Benfica's mistakes was 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.