Benfica Clash with Chelsea: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Chelsea will meet European counterparts Benfica in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this Saturday night as they pursue advancement to the quarterfinals.
The Blues secured only second place in Group D, but this proved to be fortunate. Rather than confronting Bundesliga titleholders Bayern Munich, they now face Benfica as their initial knockout stage adversaries. Their loss to Flamengo in their second group match has spared them from an even tougher round of 16 encounter.
Chelsea enters Saturday's match in Charlotte as favorites, yet they cannot afford to underestimate their Portuguese rivals. Benfica claimed the top spot in Group C following their victory over Bayern in their concluding group fixture, with Boca Juniors being the sole team they couldn't defeat in the group phase. They possess extensive knockout tournament experience through the UEFA Champions League and feature several impressive players.
The victorious team from this encounter will earn a quarterfinal spot against either Botafogo or Palmeiras.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Club World Cup matchup.
What time does Benfica vs. Chelsea Kick-Off?
Benfica vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (All Time)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Benfica | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Benfica 1–0 Bayern Munich - 24/6/25 | ES Tunis 0–3 Chelsea - 25/6/25 |
Benfica 6–0 Auckland City - 20/6/25 | Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea - 20/6/25 |
Boca Juniors 2–2 Benfica - 16/6/25 | Chelsea 2–0 LAFC - 16/6/25 |
Benfica 1–3 Sporting CP - 25/5/25 | Real Betis 1–4 Chelsea - 28/5/25 |
Braga 1–1 Benfica - 17/5/25 | Nottingham Forest 0–1 Chelsea - 25/5/25 |
How to watch Benfica vs. Chelsea on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
Benfica Team News
Benfica anticipates being without Florentino Luis for a third consecutive fixture following his injury in the opening match against Boca. On a positive note, Andrea Belotti returns from his suspension and enhances Bruno Lage's offensive alternatives.
Ángel Di María shares the tournament's leading scorer position with three penalty conversions, and the experienced playmaker will be eager to produce some brilliance. Andreas Schjelderup netted the decisive goal against Bayern in their previous outing and is expected to occupy the opposite wing position.
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Barreiro, Sanches; Di María, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Chelsea Team News
Nicolas Jackson continues to serve his suspension for Chelsea—though he will become eligible should they advance to the quarterfinals—meaning summer acquisition Liam Delap will lead the attack. The English striker found the net for his inaugural Blues goal against Espérance de Tunis in their last match.
Enzo Fernández provided two assists against the Tunisian opponents and is expected to feature in midfield against his previous club Benfica. Additionally, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Moisés Caicedo, Levi Colwill, and Reece James are likely to return to the starting eleven after Enzo Maresca rested them for the final group stage match.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Delap.
Benfica vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
A recreation of the 2012–13 Europa League final could conclude with identical results and outcome, which would benefit the Blues. They have emerged victorious in all three previous encounters with Benfica and possess the stronger roster, both in squad depth and individual talent.
Chelsea will remain cautious about collapsing as they did against Flamengo, but they should have gained valuable lessons from their defeat to the Brazilian side. Benfica will likely present challenges, but the Blues should narrowly secure victory and advance to the quarterfinals.