Despite failing to win our group, Chelsea managed to end up with a more favorable draw, at least on paper, in the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, having to play Benfica instead of Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. Of course, Benfica did beat Bayern in their group match, so perhaps the favor won’t prove so favorable in the end.
What sort of end we might meet will depend on whether we can show up and play a bit better than last Friday. That 3-1 defeat against Flamengo should have served as a reality check for this competition, though we were in no hurry to check in against ES Tunis either. While that outcome was never really in doubt, Benfica will require some proper effort and execution.
If we are to try to advance, this probably won’t be time for any more experimentation either — though Nicolas Jackson is still suspended — even if that might provide a convenient excuse should be fail to do so. It’s win or go home.
Choose wisely.
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