Chelsea dealt with some of the most bizarre circumstances in footballing history to advance to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup over Benfica.
It looked as if Reece James‘ stunning free-kick was going to be enough for them, however both sides were forced off the pitch with just four minutes to go due to thunder and lightning in the area.
A two-hour delay clearly had an effect on Enzo Maresca’s side, and when they returned they conceded before the game was done, sending them to extra time.
Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored after their opponents went down the 10 men, setting up a showdown with Estevao Willian and Palmeiras in the next round of the competition.
Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Benoit Badiashile spotted on crutches after Chelsea’s win vs Benfica
Maresca had brought back the majority of his strongest players on paper after resting them against ES Tunis, however one player who remained in the starting side was Benoit Badiashile.
Badiashile has been going under the radar as a player whose performances have greatly improved since the new manager came in.
However, it looks as if his run in the team is about to come to an end. Journalist Nizaar Kinsella shared a photo from the stands in Charlotte showed the Frenchman on crutches at the end of the game.
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He had been replaced just moments before the sides were forced off due to weather, with him having to put in a heroic effort to stop a potential equaliser at the time.
Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Badiashile’s uncertain Chelsea future
Despite starting back-to-back important games at the Club World Cup, there is currently no clarity over the future of the French defender.
Badiashile admitted himself he didn’t know if he’d be at Chelsea next season, with a number of new options being linked with a move to the club.
Jorrel Hato is a target of Chelsea, and the fact that he plays either left-back on the left of a back two is worrying for the former Monaco man, given the fact that Levi Colwill is ahead of him in the pecking order.
With Axel Disasi likely to go too, it could be all change at the back for the Blues, however this would be a tough way for Badiashile’s time at the club to come to an end.