Rome, June 29 (LaPresse) – "Chelsea ends Di Maria’s European career: Blues into the quarter-finals, Benfica eliminated." This is how FIFA's official website headlined the story, reporting the English side’s triumph in what was described as “an incredible match,” also marked by a weather-related suspension.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash was decided after regular time, with Chelsea scoring three goals in extra time to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
“In a dramatic encounter in Charlotte, a penalty from Ángel Di María in the 95th minute equalized for the Portuguese side after Reece James had put the English team ahead midway through the second half,” reads the match report on FIFA's website. “Benfica substitute Gianluca Prestianni was then sent off early in extra time, and Chelsea punished their opponents with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.”
The London side will now face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on July 4.
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