The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 is heating up, and all eyes are on the blockbuster clash between Benfica and Chelsea at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 28, 2025. This all-European showdown promises fireworks as both teams battle for a quarter-final spot against either Palmeiras or Botafogo. Let’s dive into the match preview, potential lineups and our take on who’ll come out on top.
Match Details: Benfica vs Chelsea
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM ET (9:00 PM BST)
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Where to Watch: Stream live for free on DAZN globally
- Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
Benfica have been the surprise package of the tournament, topping Group C with a stunning 1-0 win over Bayern Munich. Chelsea, meanwhile, finished second in Group D behind Flamengo but showed their quality with a 3-0 rout of ES Tunis. With history favoring the Blues and Benfica riding a wave of confidence, this match is anyone’s game.
Benfica’s Road to the Knockouts
Benfica have turned heads in their Club World Cup debut. They kicked things off with a gritty 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors, clawing back from two goals down. A 6-0 thrashing of Auckland City followed, before they pulled off the upset of the tournament—a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, thanks to Andreas Schjelderup’s early goal and a masterclass from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
The Eagles are led by the evergreen Ángel Di María, who’s bagged three penalties in the group stage, and a rock-solid defense anchored by Nicolás Otamendi. But Chelsea won’t be an easy task—Benfica have lost all three previous competitive meetings with the Blues, including the 2013 Europa League final. Can they rewrite history?
Chelsea’s Group Stage Journey
Chelsea’s group stage had its ups and downs. They started strong with a 2-0 win over LAFC, where Pedro Neto and summer signing Liam Delap shone. A 3-1 loss to Flamengo exposed some cracks, but they bounced back with a commanding 3-0 win over ES Tunis, with goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Delap, and young star Tyrique George.
Enzo Maresca’s side is a blend of youth and experience, with Cole Palmer pulling the strings in attack and Enzo Fernández controlling the midfield. Despite missing striker Nicolas Jackson due to suspension, Chelsea’s squad depth makes them a tough opponent. They’ll need to be at their best to handle Benfica’s attacking threat.
Expected Lineups
Benfica (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
- Defenders: Fredrik Aursnes, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Alexander Dahl
- Midfielders: Leandro Barreiro, Renato Sanches
- Attacking Midfielders: Ángel Di María, Gianluca Prestianni, Andreas Schjelderup
- Striker: Vangelis Pavlidis
- Manager: Bruno Lage.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
- Defenders: Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández
- Attacking Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke
- Striker: Liam Delap
- Manager: Enzo Maresca.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea has dominated Benfica in the past, winning all three competitive clashes:
- 2011-12 Champions League Quarter-finals: Chelsea 1-0 Benfica (away), 2-1 (home)
- 2013 Europa League Final: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica
While those games were years ago, Chelsea’s record could give them a mental edge. Still, Benfica’s current form suggests they’re ready to challenge that history.
Prediction: Who Wins?
This one’s tough to call. Benfica’s defensive grit and Di María’s magic make them a real threat, especially after their Bayern upset. But Chelsea’s squad depth, with Palmer’s creativity and Fernández’s midfield control, gives them a slight advantage. We expect a tight game, with Chelsea’s quick transitions and clinical finishing making the difference.
Score Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Chelsea
