Chelsea booked their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals after surviving weather delays, VAR drama and extra-time chaos to beat Benfica 4-1 in one of the strangest fixtures in recent memory.
The game was suspended for nearly two hours due to lightning, and a stoppage-time penalty dragged it into extra time. Enzo Maresca’s side had every excuse to lose control.
But late goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall turned a fraught evening into a statement win.
There were flaws, and one significant suspension, but Chelsea showed they can suffer, reset and still finish the job.
KDH and the Art of the Cameo
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall may not be in Chelsea’s strongest XI, but he continues to prove his worth.
Signed for £30 million from Leicester as Conor Gallagher left for Atlético Madrid, he has been a bit-part figure and regularly linked with a move away.
Yet displays like this complicate that narrative. His late goal sealed the win, just as his off-ball work helped close out the Conference League final in May. He brings clarity and energy whenever Chelsea rotate.
He fits Maresca’s tempo, particularly in matches where control must be reasserted late-on. He presses, recycles and arrives with purpose.
He may never be undroppable, but across a long season, his reliability matters. Dewsbury-Hall offers something rare in this squad: trust without noise.
Pedro’s Productive Patch
Pedro Neto’s extra-time finish was his third goal in as many Club World Cup games. It rewarded a performance full of clever movement and persistence.
He stayed sharp as others faded, exploiting tired legs and stretching Benfica just enough to make the difference. The match looked destined for penalties before he shifted the tone.
Neto is often criticised for lacking the ability to beat his man in low blocks. At times he recycles possession too safely when a Palmer-style take-on would be welcome, but that doesn’t tell the full story.
In the Premier League run-in, he assisted against Liverpool and scored vital goals at Fulham and at home to West Ham.
His €60 million fee sets high expectations, but he remains one of the most system-proof forwards in the squad.
With space, structure and a clear role, he delivers sharpness and intensity.
The Gusto Gamble
Malo Gusto’s handball in stoppage time led to Benfica’s equaliser, but the situation was messy.
The contact was there and his arm was raised, but intent was questionable.
It came from a soft free kick against Moises Caicedo, with Nicolas Otamendi’s header creating the chaos.
Gusto’s body shape under pressure again left him vulnerable and his awareness at set-pieces remains a worrying issue.
What mattered more was how he responded. Gusto didn’t collapse. He defended well in extra time, linked smartly with Neto and remained composed.
In a squad managing Reece James carefully, this matters. He still needs refinement, but Maresca will be encouraged by his response under pressure.
Into the Storm: Caicedo suspended, Estevão on the Radar
Chelsea now face Palmeiras, but not without problems. Caicedo, ever-present this season, will miss the quarter-final after a yellow card for dissent.
His absence leaves a hole. Lavia is the most natural replacement, though still short of sharpness. Other options include James or Dario Essugo, but neither is ideal.
Maresca has been reluctant to use Andrey Santos but may have little choice now.
Reinforcements are close. João Pedro is set to arrive from Brighton for around £60 million and should be registered in time for the next round.
Jamie Gittens, signed from Dortmund for £55 million, is cup-tied but soon training. And yet the most intriguing opponent in the next round may be Estevão, Chelsea’s future winger, who is expected to start for Palmeiras.
The 18-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance and will be motivated to impress his next club.
Christopher Nkunku also deserves credit. His finish against Benfica was alert and instinctive, coming at a moment when Chelsea looked resigned to penalties.
He may not be at the club much longer, but he is looking sharper, and could have increase his price tag.
Palmeiras will offer another physical and tactical test. They press high, grow into games and rarely concede early.
But if Chelsea’s win over Benfica proved anything, it is that this team is learning to handle chaos. And occasionally, even thrive in it.
