Former Wolves manager Bruno Lage didn’t enjoy his reunion with Pedro Neto as Chelsea knocked Benfica out of the Club World Cup.
Lage stunned many as he took charge of Benfica in September 2024, following on from a dreary time at Botafogo.
The former Wolves manager left Molineux in October 2022, then made the move to Brazil, where he lasted just three months at Botafogo before being axed.
Now, Lage is at the helm of Benfica, where in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, the Portuguese coach was knocked out by a familiar face.
Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Bruno Lage blown away by Pedro Neto at the Club World Cup
Pedro Neto is one of five former Wolves stars at the Club World Cup with their new clubs.
Lage spoke highly of Neto before Benfica clashed with Chelsea, reminiscing on his time at Wolves and the transfer links to Enzo Fernandez.
Unfortunately for Lage, the ex-Wolves boss was forced to reminisce after the contest too, but not in the way he’d perhaps hoped.
In a dramatic fixture that spanned over four hours due to being suspended because of the weather, Benfica lost 4-1 to Chelsea in a clash that was very much influenced by Neto.
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Speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Lage singled out Neto as a player he knows ‘very well’, understanding from past experience that if the 25-year-old has the chance, he’ll punish the opposition.
“We had the chance to progress, but we played against an excellent team, especially with great wingers. I know Pedro Neto very well, and if he has the chance to play 1v1, he is difficult to stop.”
Neto found the net against Benfica and was an all-around nuisance for Lage’s side as his creative strengths shone through.
Neto has shone at the Club World Cup for Chelsea
Against the Eagles, Neto recorded three key passes and completed four crosses, all while maintaining a 93% passing accuracy rate, as per Sofascore.
It was a sublime performance from the former Wolf, but not one that would’ve come as a surprise given the form the winger has shown at the Club World Cup so far.
Neto had the chance to score in three consecutive games for the first time in his career, but Enzo Maresca left him out of the side against Esperance Tunis, making him wait to find the net again.
Against Benfica, the Portugal international did just that, netting his third goal of the competition to send a message to his manager.
Lage won’t want to see Neto lined up against his squad any time soon, as the 2024 sale looks to be moving from strength to strength with Chelsea.