The knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion with two electrifying matches that delivered everything fans could hope for—tense rivalries, dramatic goals, tactical showdowns, and even a lightning storm. In Philadelphia, Brazilian giants Palmeiras and Botafogo locked horns in a tense domestic clash decided by a late moment of magic, while over in Charlotte, Chelsea and Benfica produced a modern classic—complete with a weather delay, extra-time fireworks, and standout performances. These opening games of the Round of 16 set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable final stretch of the tournament.
Palmeiras 1–0 Botafogo — June 28, Philadelphia
In an all-Brazilian showdown that epitomized intensity and tactical discipline, Palmeiras narrowly edged past Botafogo with a late 1–0 victory at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The game, filled with hard tackles, narrow misses, and disciplined defending, kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout. Both teams displayed compact defensive lines and were cautious in attack, especially in the first half, which ended without goals but with several warning signs of potential breakthroughs.
Palmeiras, under coach Abel Ferreira, were patient in their build-up, relying on short passes and midfield control, with Raphael Veiga and Richard Ríos trying to unlock Botafogo’s defense. However, Botafogo’s backline, anchored by Adryelson and the impressive John in goal, held firm. John made several crucial saves, including a point-blank stop from Endrick, keeping the score level and his team’s hopes alive.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 86th minute, when Ferreira's substitutions made the difference. Off the bench came Paulinho, who latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and sent a precise, low-driven shot into the bottom corner. The goal was a product of relentless pressure from Palmeiras, and Paulinho’s composure in a high-stakes moment sealed the win. Botafogo, despite their urgency in the final minutes, couldn’t muster a response.
Man of the Match honors went to goalkeeper John, whose saves kept Botafogo competitive until the final moments. Yet, it was Palmeiras’ tactical maturity and depth that ultimately won the day. The match underscored the fierce domestic rivalry between the clubs, and while it ended in heartbreak for Botafogo, Palmeiras now march confidently into the quarter-finals with growing belief that they can contend for the global title.
Chelsea 4–1 Benfica (A.E.T.) — June 28, Charlotte
In one of the most dramatic and unforgettable matches of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup so far, Chelsea overcame Benfica 4–1 after extra time in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a clash that combined tactical grit, stunning goals, a lightning storm, and raw emotion. It was a night that stretched nearly five hours due to an extraordinary weather delay—and produced some of the tournament’s most iconic moments yet.
The game began evenly, with both teams showing composure and tactical organization. Chelsea dominated possession through the midfield brilliance of Enzo Fernández and the dynamism of Cole Palmer, while Benfica looked dangerous on the break with Ángel Di María orchestrating play and Arthur Cabral constantly threatening Chelsea’s high line.
The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Reece James, returning from injury, produced a moment of individual brilliance. The full-back curled a spectacular free-kick into the top corner, giving Chelsea a deserved 1–0 lead and sending the Blues' fans into raptures. The goal injected life into Chelsea’s tempo as they sought to finish the match in normal time.
But in the 85th minute, with tension high, a sudden lightning storm forced the referee to suspend the match, following FIFA’s extreme weather safety protocol. Fans were evacuated, and both squads were sent into the dressing rooms as thunder echoed around Bank of America Stadium. The delay lasted nearly two hours, plunging the game into surreal territory and shifting the psychological balance.
When play resumed, the momentum had shifted. Just three minutes after the restart, Di María converted a dramatic penalty—awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Chelsea’s Levi Colwill—to equalize at 1–1 and send the match into extra time. The goal was a testament to Di María’s calm under pressure and sparked wild celebrations among the Portuguese faithful.
However, Benfica’s resurgence was short-lived. In stoppage time at the end of regular play, rising star Gianluca Prestianni received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving his side with ten men for extra time. From there, Chelsea capitalized ruthlessly.
Just minutes into extra time, Christopher Nkunku scored with a clinical near-post strike after a slick exchange with Palmer. That opened the floodgates. Pedro Neto made it 3–1 soon after with a well-placed finish, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall capped off the performance with a stunning long-range strike, making it 4–1 and putting the game beyond doubt.
Manager Enzo Maresca, visibly emotional post-match, hailed his team’s mental strength and adaptability under surreal conditions, stating: “We faced Benfica, a top team, and nature itself—and still came through stronger.” The victory propelled Chelsea into the quarter-finals and confirmed their credentials as serious contenders for the title, while Benfica’s campaign ended in heartbreak but with pride.
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