Enzo Maresca has expressed immense pride in his Chelsea team after they secured a spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over Benfica. The match, held in Charlotte, was marked by extraordinary circumstances, including a near two-hour suspension due to a thunderstorm.
Chelsea appeared to be on the verge of victory when Reece James scored a stunning free-kick, putting them ahead with only four minutes left in regular time. However, the game was halted due to lightning, disrupting Chelsea's rhythm and allowing Benfica to equalize with a controversial penalty converted by Angel Di Maria after play resumed.
Despite the setback, Chelsea regained control in extra time after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second bookable offense. Christopher Nkunku then scored a crucial goal to give Chelsea the lead, and late goals from Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the victory.
Maresca, speaking to DAZN, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the extended delay. He stated that the performance was "top" until the final five minutes before the game was stopped, after which it became a "completely different game". He further added, "When you are inside for more than one hour it's not easy but, 1-1, we continued to play and, at the end, I think the reward was one that we deserve".
Images showed the Chelsea players using exercise bikes and playing with balls in the locker room during the break. Maresca noted the difficulty of maintaining focus with only five minutes remaining in the initial regulation period. He said that the team tried to manage the situation as best as possible, and he is very happy that they are among the final eight teams in the competition. He believes that overcoming Benfica was their best performance in the Club World Cup so far.
Chelsea is now set to face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia. Maresca acknowledged the need for the team to recover and prepare for the upcoming match.
The game was eventful, marked by the weather delay, late goals, extra time drama, and a red card. It also marked the end of Ángel Di María's career in Europe, as he is set to return to Rosario Central.
