Benfica vs Chelsea Preview: Prediction, Key Stats & Club World Cup Insights
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup enters the knockout phase, and one of the standout last-16 ties sees Benfica take on Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Here’s everything you need to know, including key stats, insights, team news, and prediction.
Benfica vs Chelsea: Key Match Insights
- Chelsea are favourites, winning 45.1% of the 10,000 Opta simulations inside 90 minutes.
- Benfica haven’t beaten English opposition since March 2014.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in all meetings with Benfica.
- Benfica topped their group, finishing above Bayern Munich.
- Chelsea finished second, losing to Flamengo but beating ES Tunis.
Recent Form & Context
Benfica stunned many by topping Group C, including a gritty 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, showcasing their ability to grind out results against top sides. Veteran Nicolás Otamendi was a standout performer, leading the group stage with 29 duels won and an 80.6% success rate.
However, their historical record vs English clubs is troubling: winless in their last 7 matches (D3 L4) against Premier League opposition.
Chelsea, despite a loss to Flamengo, have been in strong form overall. Since a poor winter run (just 3 wins in 12), they’ve turned it around with 16 wins in their last 22 games, 38 goals scored, and 12 clean sheets. Enzo Fernández, facing his former club, has been central to their creativity with 16 assists under Enzo Maresca.
@mr.extratime1 Chelsea vs Benfica in knockout stage on Saturday 28🔥
♬ original sound – The Football Oracle⚽
Opta Supercomputer Prediction
| Result | Probability |
|---|---|
| Chelsea win (90 min) | 45.1% |
| Benfica win (90 min) | 29.1% |
| Draw (ET possible) | 25.7% |
| Chelsea to qualify | 58.7% |
| Benfica to qualify | 41.3% |
While Chelsea are favourites, there’s a solid chance of extra time, with a 25.7% probability the game goes beyond 90 minutes.
Opta Power Rankings
- Chelsea: 92.3
- Benfica: 87.1
(Scale: 0 = weakest, 100 = strongest globally)
Players to Watch
Benfica:
- Nicolás Otamendi – Dominant in duels and leadership at the back.
- Ángel Di María – Still capable of magic moments at this level.
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu – A key creative spark in attack.
Chelsea:
- Cole Palmer – The new No.10 is Chelsea’s most decisive attacking outlet.
- Enzo Fernández – Against his former club, he’ll look to control midfield.
- Pedro Neto – Provides pace and directness out wide.
Benfica vs Chelsea: Squad Lists
Benfica Coach: Bruno Lage
Key Players: Otamendi, Di María, Pavlidis, Kökçü, Trubin
Chelsea Coach: Enzo Maresca
Key Players: Palmer, Fernández, Cucurella, Caicedo, Nkunku
Match Prediction
Benfica will be no pushovers, especially after defeating Bayern. But Chelsea’s firepower, recent form, and squad depth — combined with their positive historical record against Benfica — give them the edge.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Benfica (after 90 minutes)
Expect a tight affair, but Chelsea’s class and experience may prove decisive in regulation time.
Benfica vs Chelsea Preview: Prediction, Key Stats & Club World Cup Insights
