benfica vs chelsea: Pre‑Match Planning for Club World Cup 2025 .
Chelsea bounce back with fresh energy
After a mixed group stage, Chelsea came in switched on. They edged out Espérance de Tunis 3–0 to finish second in Group D.
Manager Enzo Maresca made smart calls, rotating key players and safeguarding regulars under scorching conditions.
Line‑up update: Sánchez is back in goal, with Cucurella, Colwill, Neto, Palmer, Caicedo, and captain Reece James returning to the XI. Only Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia, Badiashile, and Liam Delap kept their slots.
The heat in Charlotte, hitting over 31°C (88 °F), will be a big factor. Players and fans have described it as “roasting”.
Also Read – Fifa World Cup 2025.
Benfica riding a wave of form
Benfica came off a historic group win over Bayern Munich (1–0), despite Bayern being unbeaten in 13 prior matches. That was their highlight, but they’ve also been solid against Boca, Auckland, and Sporting.
Coach Bruno Lage trusts players like Angel Di María and Otamendi, alongside recent group heroes Kökçü and Florentino. Confidence is high, energy levels up—they’re on a serious roll.
Past Clashes & Psychological Edge
Historically, Chelsea have swept Benfica in all three competitive European ties—Champions League 2011/12 quarters (2 wins) and Europa League final 2013 (2–1).
That 2013 final was special: Chelsea became the only Champions League holders to claim the Europa League. They remain undefeated—psychological edge is real.
Yet, that was Europe. This is the wider Club World Cup stage. Benfica’s recent win over Bayern gives them new belief—they’re no longer easy prey.
Key Player benfica vs chelsea f.c lineups
Confirmed Lineups
Benfica confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Anatoliy Trubin (GK), Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Leandro Barreiro, Florentino Luis, Orkun Kokcu, Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Andreas Schjelderup.
Chelsea confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez (GK), Reece James, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea):
After a tricky start post his £106.7 m move, Fernández has exploded in form. With 14 goal involvements in 2025, he’s now seen as Chelsea’s midfield leader.
Angel Di María & Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica):
Veterans on international stages, both bring calm and experience. Their presence alone lifts the team’s composure.
Liam Delap & Pedro Neto (Chelsea young guns):
Delap just netted his first Blues goal in the tournament, and Neto’s pace has been electric.
Matchwatch: Live Updates
- Midfield block & pressing:
Expect Chelsea to use Caicedo’s grit and Lavia’s control to dominate the center. Benfica will rely on Kökçü’s mobility to disrupt and feed Di María. - Wing wonders:
Both Neto and Palmer will test Benfica’s width, matched by Benfica’s Dahl and Aursnes who’ll look to counter-attack fast. - Heat tactics:
Sub rotations likely around 60–70 min mark. Both coaches emphasized “fresh legs” to avoid fatigue. - Set-piece alert:
With big centre-backs like Badiashile and Otamendi, both sides may target dead-ball situations.
What Fans Should Watch
Who handles pressure better?
Chelsea have history but added pressure as favourites. Benfica, free from that weight, might play with more confidence.
Fernández reunion:
He goes head-to-head with his old club—expect extra motivation from him tonight.
Attendance & atmosphere:
A partial crowd in Charlotte amid rising heat—will the atmosphere favor one side?
Club World Cup 2025: benfica vs chelsea Match & Stakes
This Club World Cup has spiced things up: 32 teams, bigger prize pots, and packed fixtures. For both clubs, it’s more than a trophy—it’s prestige, momentum, and experience.
Winner tonight faces Palmeiras vs Botafogo victor in Philadelphia—a big Brazilian showdown.
Final Takeaways: Club World Cup 2025
Chelsea bring European consistency, bigger squad, and tournament experience.
Benfica ride a wave of recent form and believe they can shock again.
This isn’t just another match—it’s a battle of legacy vs resurgence, history vs momentum. Expect high tempo, tactical chess, and decisive moments.
Benfica vs Chelsea Prediction
Our opinion is that Chelsea will prove too strong for their opponents and we’ll therefore take the 2.10 for this Club World Cup game. This bet really stands out when it comes to securing value.
For more value from the odds, take a look at Chelsea on the Asian Handicap. Those anticipating our winner to punch above their weight can back them to cover the line.
Chelsea to Win Probability
The latest betting odds tells that the pick has a 47.6% chances of winning. But in our opinion, there’s actually a probability of success between 50-55%. It’s why we think it’s worth placing this bet.
FAQs: benfica vs chelsea
Q: How to watch Benfica vs Chelsea Club World Cup live?
Streaming is via DAZN in the USA, with global availability depending on region.
Q: What was their last meeting?
They last met in the 2013 Europa League final, Chelsea won 2–1 with goals by Torres and Ivanović.
Q: Why is the heat a concern?
Charlotte is experiencing an unusual heatwave (over 31 °C), making stamina and hydration key factors.
Q: Who has the historical upper hand?
Chelsea hold a perfect 3–0 record in competitive fixtures, though recent Benfica form adds fresh intrigue.
Q: Who do you back—Chelsea’s consistency or Benfica’s boldness?
Chelsea’s consistency gives them the edge, but Benfica’s bold form makes this a tight call.
Q: Which tactical tweak could decide the fight?
Midfield control and timely substitutions in the heat could be game-changers for both sides.
Q: Benfica vs Chelsea Club World Cup live stream?
Watch live on DAZN, with coverage also available on select sports networks globally.
Q: Past Benfica Chelsea results?
Chelsea have won all 3 previous meetings, including the 2013 Europa League final.
Q: Enzo Fernández performance?
Enzo has rediscovered top form with Chelsea, shining as a midfield engine this season.
Q: Benfica UEFA Europa League 2013 final?
Chelsea beat Benfica 2–1 in a dramatic finish to lift the Europa League trophy.
Q: Club World Cup heat and scheduling?
Extreme heat in Charlotte is forcing early subs and hydration breaks; fixture gaps are tight.
This Benfica vs Chelsea fixture isn’t just about football. It’s a story of two cultures: Chelsea’s structured pedigree vs Benfica’s fiery resilience. One victory edges them closer to global glory. Expect late drama, edge-of-seat moments, and narratives that’ll linger.
[…] Also Read – Benficea Vs Chelsea Club World Cup 2025 […]
[…] Also Read – Benfica vs Chelsea Match. […]
[…] Also Read – Benfica Vs Chelsea Match Update. […]