Benfica-Chelsea Match Preview: Tips for the CWC Round of 16 clash

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 kicks off with a captivating European clash: Portuguese heavyweights Benfica take on Chelsea in the Round of 16. Both teams secured their place in the Round of 16 with victories on Matchday 3 of the group stage and are now just three wins away from global club football glory.

Match News and Current Form

Benfica enters this match with renewed confidence after eliminating German champions Bayern Munich 1-0 to take top spot in Group C. The result was both a resounding victory and a confidence boost. Previously, the Portuguese side had thrashed Auckland City 6-0, which means they come into the match on the back of two consecutive clean sheets. This sudden surge in form has allowed them to bounce back from a difficult pre-tournament period, where they failed to win any of their last four competitive matches (three draws, one defeat).

Under Roger Schmidt, the Eagles have strengthened their defense and appear more assured, with their midfield pressure and wing play proving particularly effective in recent group stage matches. With their dynamic form and a defense in top form, Benfica will now aim for the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup for the first time in their history.

Chelsea, meanwhile, finished second in Group D behind Flamengo, with two wins and one loss from three matches. Their most recent victory, a 1-0 win over Esperance de Tunis, sealed their qualification for the knockout stages and demonstrated the tactical maturity of manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian rotated his squad extensively for this match, making eight changes to preserve his legs for the knockout stages, a move that could prove worthwhile, as his side is likely fresher than Benfica’s.

Despite a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the start of the tournament, Chelsea are in solid form overall, with five wins in their last six competitive matches. With a young squad continuing to improve under Maresca, the Blues are confident they can go far in this tournament, thanks in part to their extensive experience in European and international competitions.

History of Confrontations

These two teams have met three times in competition, all with Chelsea winning. Each victory has come by a one-goal margin, including their most high-profile encounter in the 2013 UEFA Europa League final, when Branislav Ivanović’s winning goal secured the trophy for the Londoners in Amsterdam.

Although Benfica have yet to record a win or even a draw against Chelsea, the narrow margins in previous meetings suggest another closely contested affair could be on the cards.

Key Players to Watch

Benfica’s recent defensive successes owe much to goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The Ukrainian has been in excellent form, keeping clean sheets against Bayern Munich and Auckland City. Even more impressive, he has stopped each of the last six shots on target, confirming his growing reputation as a reliable defender.

For Chelsea, Liam Delap stood out in the win over Esperance. The young striker scored his first goal for the club and impressed with his mobility and physical presence. With Nicolas Jackson still suspended, Delap could get another chance to lead the attack, and his recent boost in confidence could make him a threat.

Chelsea will also rely on Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto to provide the creative spark in Jackson’s absence, while Benfica will be able to rely on the midfield leadership of Florentino Luís and the attacking flair of Ángel Di María to unlock Chelsea’s defense.

Statistics and Success Streaks

• Benfica have scored in first-half injury time in two of their three CWC matches so far.
• In Benfica’s last five competitive matches, five penalties have been awarded.
• Chelsea have opened the scoring before half-time in all three of their CWC matches.
• Five of Chelsea’s last six wins in all competitions have come without conceding a goal.
• Each of the three previous head-to-head meetings between the two teams ended 2-1 in Chelsea’s favour.

Missing Players

Benfica is not expected to suffer any new injuries ahead of this match. Chelsea, however, will once again be without Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker has been suspended once again by FIFA following a disciplinary review following his red card in the group stage defeat to Flamengo. Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling remain long-term absentees for the London club.

Betting Analysis

Both teams approach this match with similar form and solid defenses, which suggests a close encounter. Chelsea has generally maintained a level of cohesion during the CWC, while Benfica has conceded only one goal so far. Given these trends, betting on under 2.5 goals overall could be wise. A one-goal victory for either team also seems likely, given their previous meetings and performance in the tournament.

Prediction

This could be one of the closest encounters of the round of 16, with both teams boasting solid defensive records and a pragmatic tactical approach. Chelsea’s squad depth and tournament experience could well tip the scales in their favor.

Predicted score: Benfica 0-1 Chelsea