Chelsea Endures Record-Breaking Weather Delay to Clinch Club World Cup Victory

CHARLOTTE – What already felt like an endless season for Chelsea was extended even further in an unprecedented Club World Cup match. The game against Benfica stretched to an astonishing four hours and 38 minutes, testing the patience and endurance of players and fans alike.

Despite the challenges, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over Benfica. Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall secured the win in extra time, advancing Chelsea to the quarterfinals against Palmeiras.

The Blues will undoubtedly appreciate the six-day break before their next match, especially after the bizarre circumstances of this victory. Reece James's free kick in the 64th minute initially seemed to have sealed a narrow win for Chelsea, but the match was far from over.

Chelsea celebrates their victory in the Club World Cup match against Benfica.

With just four minutes remaining, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic halted play due to a severe weather warning. Players retreated to the locker room, and fans sought shelter within the Bank of America Stadium.

The resumption time was repeatedly delayed as the storm lingered over North Carolina. Chelsea players tried to stay active on stationary bikes in the locker room, while a rainbow eventually offered a glimmer of hope. With another storm approaching, both teams agreed to a shortened warm-up to complete the match before further delays.

Controversy arose when Nicolás Otamendi's header struck Malo Gusto's hand. Despite Gusto facing the other way with no intention of handling the ball, the referee deemed his arm to be in an unnatural position, awarding Benfica a penalty.

Ángel Di María converted the penalty in the fifth minute of added time, leveling the score and extending the game. By this point, many of the 25,929 spectators had already left.

However, those who remained were treated to a dramatic finale. Gianluca Prestianni's second yellow card early in extra time gave Chelsea a numerical advantage. Cole Palmer found Moisés Caicedo in the box, whose shot was saved by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Nkunku pounced on the rebound, firing the ball into the net.

With Benfica's spirit broken, Chelsea capitalized with two counterattack goals. Neto scored his third goal in four games, followed by Dewsbury-Hall's skillful chip to seal the victory.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca celebrated with fans near the dugout but expressed his frustration with the conditions. This marked the sixth Club World Cup match to be interrupted by adverse weather.

Maresca stated, "For 85 minutes we were in control of the game... and then after the break, the game changed completely. I think for me personally it's not football." He acknowledged the importance of security but questioned the frequency of suspensions at the tournament. "It's already seven, eight, nine games that they suspended... it's not normal to suspend a game."

The match was not a positive advertisement for the tournament. The attendance was low, the pitch conditions were subpar, and the lengthy delay raised concerns about player welfare.

A time limit for weather delays should be considered, especially as only five of the sixteen host stadiums for next year's FIFA World Cup have roofs.

Maresca reiterated, "As I said, the game was very good for 85 minutes... Then it started completely different. It's not the same game because you break the tempo." The extended break disrupted the flow of the match, making it difficult to regain momentum.

Looking ahead, Chelsea faces Palmeiras in the quarterfinals. Caicedo will be suspended for the match, adding to the challenges. Other talking points include Palmer's promising performance on the left wing and the midfield partnership of Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Enzo Fernández. The return of Nicolas Jackson from suspension also presents a selection dilemma.

After the chaos and controversy, Chelsea desperately needs a period of calm to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.