2025 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Benfica vs. Chelsea

Match Significance

This Benfica vs Chelsea Club World Cup 2025 clash is a marquee all-European encounter with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Benfica, fresh off a stunning group-stage win over Bayern Munich, face a Chelsea side that’s finding form at the right time. With both clubs boasting rich continental pedigrees, this is arguably the most anticipated Round of 16 matchup.

Benfica – Team Overview

Group Stage Finish: 1st in Group C (7 points)

Last Match: 1-0 win vs Bayern Munich

Manager: Bruno Lage

Key Players: Ángel Di María, Andreas Schjelderup, Anatoliy Trubin, Vangelis Pavlidis

Strengths

Tactical discipline and defensive resilience

Veteran leadership from Otamendi and Di María

Momentum from topping a group with Bayern and Boca Juniors

Concerns

Fatigue from playing in extreme heat vs Bayern

Key midfielder Florentino Luís ruled out with injury

Path to Victory

Benfica must control midfield tempo, exploit Chelsea’s high line with Schjelderup’s pace, and rely on Trubin’s shot-stopping to keep the Blues at bay.

Chelsea – Team Overview

Group Stage Finish: 2nd in Group D (6 points)

Last Match: 3-0 win vs Espérance de Tunis

Manager: Enzo Maresca

Key Players: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Liam Delap, Christopher Nkunku

Strengths

Depth and versatility in midfield

Recent form: 4 wins in last 5 matches across all competitions

Delap’s emergence as a physical No. 9 threat

Concerns

Inconsistent performances earlier in the tournament

Nicolas Jackson suspended (red card vs Flamengo)

Path to Victory

Chelsea must dominate possession, press Benfica’s backline, and unleash Palmer and Nkunku in the final third. Set pieces could be a key weapon.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time Meetings: 3

Chelsea Wins: 3

Benfica Wins: 0

Draws: 0

Last Meeting: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica (2013 UEFA Europa League Final)

Chelsea have a perfect record against Benfica, but this will be their first meeting in over a decade—and their first on neutral soil.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a chess match between two tactically astute managers. Benfica will likely sit deeper and counter, while Chelsea aim to control the ball and dictate tempo. The midfield battle between Enzo Fernández and Renato Sanches could be decisive.