Chelsea were forced to wait before officially booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup in the United States.
Reece James‘ sensational free-kick was the difference between the European sides, after the Blues had been frustrated multiple times with big chances in the first half.
When the players finally returned after two hours off the pitch, Benfica levelled proceedings with an Angel di Maria penalty, sending the game to extra time.
Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall got the Blues over the line, bringing to an end a mental night of football.
Chelsea had their strongest players on the pitch again after heavy rotation for their final group stage game against ES Tunis. The likes of Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer were back in the starting side.
The referees in conversation during Chelsea vs Benfica at the Club World Cup
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Levi Colwill fuming as Chelsea forced off field before win vs Benfica
Enzo Maresca’s side were comfortably in control of proceedings and looked set to ease their way into the quarter-finals, and even they were not happy with the delay.
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Levi Colwill was amongst the Chelsea players who were surrounding the referee after they were forced off with so little time left on the clock.
He said: “Chelsea-Benfica suspended because there is severe thunderstorm in the area. Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are all angry with the referee. Maresca also fuming but weather is dangerous and this is normal for Charlotte, NC.”
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Levi Colwill looks on ahead of Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Ira L. Black – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Chelsea battling the elements in the United States
It was not the first time during the competition that Chelsea have seen their games impacted by the conditions, with them playing a factor in numerous games in the Club World Cup.
The Blues dealt with a ‘Heat Health Emergency’ when they were playing in Philadelphia, leaving the players at risk in the scorching temperatures.
The elements have even left Maresca considering breaking Club World Cup rules by mass rotating his side, with the clubs agreeing to play their best side possible before the tournament got underway.