Charlotte, June 29 (V7N) — Chelsea booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a dramatic 4-1 victory over Benfica in the round of sixteen at the Bank of America Stadium.

The Blues took the lead in the 64th minute through a well-timed strike by Reece James. The match was halted in the 85th minute due to a two-hour lightning delay, with Chelsea seemingly heading for a narrow win.

However, the game’s tension escalated in stoppage time as Ángel Di María equalized for Benfica, forcing extra time.

Chelsea dominated the added period, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, securing a convincing win. Benfica, reduced to ten men late in the game, struggled to contain the Premier League giants.

Chelsea will face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarterfinals on July 4.

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