After the match, Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back:
“This is not football. You cannot stop a game at the most important moment for two hours and expect players to perform the same way again.”
Maresca criticized FIFA’s weather policy and questioned whether such interruptions destroy the rhythm and psychological edge teams build over 90 minutes.
⚽ Momentum Lost… and Gained
Before the storm, Chelsea looked in control with Reece James curling in a stunning free-kick to take the lead. But Benfica came alive late in the game, earning a penalty that Angel Di Maria calmly converted during stoppage time. Then came the storm — literally.
⏱️ After a 1 hour 47-minute pause, the match resumed — but it wasn’t the same.
🔁 Extra Time: Chelsea Unleashed
Something shifted. Whether it was Maresca’s pep talk or Benfica’s fatigue, Chelsea came back energized. In extra time, they scored three unanswered goals, ending the game at 4-1.
Key moments:
- Cole Palmer with a goal and assist.
- Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson sealing the deal.
- Benfica left stunned, their momentum washed away.
🧠 Mental Toughness Over Skill?
This match showed how mental resilience, not just tactics, decides outcomes in big tournaments. Chelsea’s ability to reset after nearly 2 hours of waiting speaks volumes.
📺 Watch the Highlights
Benfica vs Chelsea – 4-1 Extended Highlights (YouTube)
🔗 External Sources
✍️ Final Thoughts
Football is unpredictable — but this match redefined that word. Weather delays, fiery reactions, and an explosive extra-time performance turned this into a Club World Cup classic.
