Today's setting. 📍

🔗 Chelsea FC

Another one of those performances, Pedro!

#PREMATCH

Arguably could be the strongest line up with the squad we have currently save for Badiashile and may be Noni also coming in later.. But

Today is when the world Cup truly starts for us

• Arguably one of the most disappointing first halves of football from both sides from a neutral point of view, it genuinely looked like some of the players were kicking a ball for the first time, with countless misplaced passes.

• That said, we were clearly the better team and should’ve been two goals up. The setup looks spot on, and we’ve managed to contain Benfica impressively well. For the first time in a while, Chelsea are moving the ball with real pace and unpredictability, a refreshing sight.

• As for Liam Delap’s cameo… let’s just blame the weather, shall we?

Big second half needed now. Come on you Blues! 💙

I’m sure I’m not the only one seeing the poor quality of passes and executions made by both teams.

England U21s have won the Euro Championships with a 3–2 victory over Germany.

A great way to end a brilliant season for Sharman-Lowe who’s part of the squad after winning the League Two title.

Former blues Livramento, Hutchinson (who scored in the final), and Iling-Junior part of the winning squad.

Ashley Cole the assistant manager.

Delap was set to be in the squad until we signed him.

Congratulations! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆

Via CarefreeYouth

🚨 Mikel: “There’s 4 minutes left come on, they could’ve finished the game, they just took 4 minutes to take the players off the pitch! Come on.

(DAZN)

We’ve signed a beast , even £115 million feels like a bargain.

I feel very safe with Lavia and Caicedo. incredible incredible players. These are the engine of the team. Very very good on the ball too

There is little doubt that beating defenders one-on-one is Gittens’ potential superpower, as data from last season demonstrates.

⚽ Final Score: Benfica 1–4 Chelsea


🧵 Key Takeaways from the Match

Part -1

1. Weather Delay Didn’t Dampen Chelsea’s Rhythm

A nearly two-hour stoppage due to severe weather disrupted play in Charlotte—but once resumed, Chelsea kept their focus and tempo.

2. Reece James’ Perfect Free Kick

James broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a precisely placed free kick that sneaked in at the near post—his second direct free-kick goal of 2025 .

3. Drama in the 90th Minute

Just as extra time loomed, Angel Di María converted a penalty after a handball by Malo Gusto, bringing Benfica level at 1–1 .

🔜 To be continued 👇👇

⚽ Final Score: Benfica 1–4 Chelsea


🧵 Key Takeaways from the Match

Part -2


4. Benfica Reduced to 10 Men

Seconds into extra time, Gianluca Prestianni was shown red for a second bookable foul—tilting momentum heavily towards Chelsea .

5. Chelsea’s Extra-Time Greatness

With extra space to exploit, Chelsea scored three goals to seal the deal:

Christopher Nkunku (108′)

Pedro Neto (114′)

Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall (117′)


6. Moises Caicedo: Midfield Maestro

Caicedo was everywhere—helping to launch attacks, earning fouls, making tackles, and being directly involved in two of the goals. The standout star of the night .


📊 Match Stats Summary

Category. Benfica. Chelsea

Possession 36% 64 %
Shots (on target) 8 (5) 22 (12)
Corners 2 10
Fouls 14 21

🔜 To be continued 👇👇