Chelsea vs Benfica: A Clash of Titans in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16

As the anticipation builds for the FIFA Club World Cup clash, soccer fans around the globe are gearing up for one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. The matchup between Chelsea and Benfica promises an exciting showdown, blending the rich history and star power of both clubs into what could easily be mistaken for a UEFA Champions League fixture.

Match Details

Who: Chelsea vs Benfica
What: FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
When: Saturday, June 28 at 4 PM (21:00 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport provides a comprehensive build-up starting at 1 PM local time (18:00 GMT) along with a live text commentary stream.

An All-European Affair

This encounter marks the second round of 16 tie in the tournament, showcasing two footballing giants who have collectively lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy nine times, with Benfica holding the record for seven of those victories. Such a meeting is not just about pride; it also comes with significant implications for both teams as they vie for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Chelsea’s Logistical Challenges

Heading into this match, Chelsea finds themselves in a tricky position. After finishing second in their group, the club is forced to journey to Charlotte, impacting their pre-match preparation considerably. Originally, they had planned to stay in Miami for their knockout stage matches, and this unexpected detour has led to a logistical nightmare. From travel to accommodation, everything had to be rearranged at short notice, complicating their schedule further. After the match, Chelsea intends to return to Miami, adding extra miles to an already packed itinerary.

Chelsea’s Group Stage Recap

The Blues kicked off their Club World Cup adventure with an impressive 2-0 victory over Los Angeles. However, their fortunes took a downturn with a surprising 3-1 loss to Brazil’s Flamengo. They secured a place in the knockout stage thanks to a convincing 3-0 win against Esperance Tunis in their final group match in Philadelphia, but this unexpected slip-up has left them feeling the pressure as they face a formidable opponent like Benfica.

Benfica’s Form Leading to the Clash

Contrasting with Chelsea’s mixed results, Benfica experienced a rollercoaster in the group stage. They started with a contentious 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors, but bounced back strongly, clinching victories against Auckland City (6-0) and a narrow win over Bayern Munich (1-0). Their resurgence makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly as they build momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

Who’s Next?

The stakes could not be higher, as the victor of this match will advance to face the winner of the all-Brazilian showdown between Palmeiras and Botafogo in the quarter-finals. This adds another layer of strategic importance to the match, as both sides aspire not just for victory but for glory in the upcoming stages.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup Heritage

For Chelsea, this wouldn’t be their first dance with the Club World Cup. The Blues lifted the trophy back in 2021 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, making them a club that knows how to handle pressure in high-stakes situations.

Previous Encounters

The last meeting between Chelsea and Benfica was in the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final, where Chelsea emerged victorious with a nail-biting 2-1 win. Fernando Torres opened the scoring, only for Oscar Cardozo to equalize. A last-minute winner from Branislav Ivanovic sealed the deal, creating a historic memory for Chelsea fans.

Team News: Chelsea

Chelsea’s squad comes with a mix of hope and concern. Wesley Fofana continues his recovery from a long-term thigh injury and will not participate in this game. Nicolas Jackson will serve the last match of his suspension, having received a red card against Flamengo. However, the return of key players like Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella brings a fresh dynamism, potentially shifting the match in Chelsea’s favor.

Expected Starting Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Sanchez
• Defenders: James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella
• Midfielders: Caicedo, Fernandez
• Forwards: Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Delap

Team News: Benfica

Benfica also has its own challenges to contend with. While Alexander Bah and Manu Silva remain long-term absentees, midfielder Florentino Luis is set to make a comeback from a shoulder injury. Forward Andrea Belotti also returns from suspension, adding firepower to an already formidable squad.

Expected Starting Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Trubin
• Defenders: Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras
• Midfielders: Barreiro, Sanches
• Forwards: Di Maria, Prestianni, Schjelderup, Pavlidis

Head-to-Head History

This match marks a continuation of a rivalry that currently sees Chelsea undefeated against Benfica, having won all previous encounters. Their track record is a positive omen as both teams prepare to face off in this critical round.

Current Form Comparison

• Benfica’s Recent Form (All Competitions): D-L-D-W-W
• Chelsea’s Recent Form (All Competitions): W-W-W-L-W

As the tension mounts and the teams prepare to take to the pitch, fans from both camps will be hoping for a spectacular display of soccer. With all eyes on Charlotte, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that could change the course of the tournament for either team.