David vs Goliath in Charlotte as Portuguese Eagles Look to Ground the Blues
The stage is set at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, for one of the most intriguing matchups of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. Benfica squares off against Chelsea on Saturday at 4 PM ET, with both European powerhouses carrying contrasting narratives into this winner-takes-all knockout encounter.
The Upset Artists vs The Wounded Favorites
Benfica enters this clash as the tournament’s surprise package, having stunned Bayern Munich with a crucial 1-0 victory to top Group C against all odds. The Portuguese side’s remarkable turnaround after a rocky start has made them the neutrals’ favorite, proving that in football, momentum can be more valuable than reputation.
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrives as the betting favorites but carrying the scars of inconsistency. The Blues advanced as Group D runners-up after a mixed campaign that included a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Esperance Sportive de Tunis but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Benfica will surely look to exploit.
The Enzo Factor: A Tale of Two Clubs
Perhaps the most compelling subplot revolves around Enzo Fernández, the Argentine maestro who now finds himself facing his former employers. The 2022 World Cup winner has been instrumental in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, scoring in their 2-0 win over LAFC and providing two assists against ES Tunis.
The irony is palpable – Benfica received a staggering €121 million for Fernández, a player they initially signed for just €10 million from River Plate. Now, that investment could come back to haunt them as Fernández looks to mastermind Chelsea’s path to the quarterfinals.
Tactical Battle: Eagles Soaring vs Blues Searching
Benfica’s success has been built on defensive resilience and opportunistic counter-attacks. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi has been a rock at the back, playing every minute of their group stage campaign and helping The Eagles maintain their defensive structure after a shaky opening match.
Chelsea’s approach under their current system has been more possession-based, but questions remain about their ability to break down well-organized defenses. The Blues have won ten of their last twelve matches across all competitions, yet consistency has been elusive at crucial moments.
High Stakes, Higher Drama
This isn’t just another friendly – it’s knockout football at its purest. With Chelsea priced as -160 favorites to qualify for the quarterfinals and the match available to watch free on DAZN, global audiences will witness two proud European institutions battle for survival in American soil.
Benfica enters the match having lost only once in their last 16 matches across all competitions, while Chelsea’s recent form suggests they have the quality to dominate but the inconsistency to stumble.
The Verdict
Football’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and this Round of 16 clash embodies that perfectly. While Chelsea possess the individual talent and financial backing that makes them favorites, Benfica’s recent giant-killing form and fearless approach could produce another stunning upset.
In Charlotte’s afternoon heat, two European titans will discover if reputation trumps momentum, or if the beautiful game’s capacity for surprise continues to captivate audiences worldwide. One thing is certain – only one team will advance, and both know that in knockout football, there are no second chances.
Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET | Watch Free on DAZN | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
