Club World Cup: Palmeiras and Chelsea Advance to Quarterfinals | Botafogo Eliminated, Benfica Also Disqualified After Extended Delay Due to Suspension

Palmeiras defeated 1-0 this Saturday against Botafogo in extra time of a match in the Club World Cup held in Philadelphia, advancing to the quarter-finals where they will face Chelsea, who in an unusual match—stretched longer than necessary due to an electrical storm—ended up crushing Benfica 4-1.

Match between compatriots

During the first 90 minutes, both Brazilian teams had clear goal opportunities, but errors in finishing led to extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Verdão showcased better offensive performance. Substitute Paulinho made an individual play that resulted in a precise shot that confused goalkeeper John and set the course for advancing to the next stage of the tournament.

In the second half of extra time, Botafogo was superior and generated many attacking plays that troubled Palmeiras’ defensive line. For this reason, Paraguayan Gustavo Gómez was sent off for a harsh foul while cutting off a play that could have resulted in a goal. Still, the reigning Copa Libertadores champion could not take advantage of the extra man and bid farewell to the competition.

Fideo said goodbye in style

Meanwhile, Chelsea defeated 4-1 and eliminated Benfica in Charlotte. The Londoners took the lead with a great free kick from defender Reece James, but shortly before the end, the security protocol was activated, the game was suspended for over an hour and a half, and after the resumption, a penalty equalized temporarily by Angel Di María—in his farewell from the Portuguese team before returning to Rosario Central—to force extra time.

The English team—with Enzo Fernández starting—had begun better, pressing high across all lines (in fact, Cucurella had two clear chances) and made the Ukrainian goalkeeper Trubin a standout for the Portuguese team, which also featured Nicolás Otamendi.

When Chelsea was savoring qualification, an unusual and excessive suspension due to weather issues occurred. After the resumption, a header from Otamendi struck the hand of substitute Malo Gusto and the decisive Di María converted the penalty into a goal to force extra time, where substitute Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving Benfica with ten players.

But in a thrilling finish based on counterattacks, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall propelled Chelsea into the quarter-finals.

Intercontinental clash

This Sunday, Flamengo and Bayern Munich will face off at 5 PM (TV: Telefe, DSports) in another tie for the round of 16 of the Club World Cup.

The Brazilians dominated their group and finished first, while the Germans lost to Benfica and missed out on leading their zone.