Have you ever watched a football match that lasted nearly five hours? No? Well, now you get to hear about one – the World Club Championship quarterfinal between Chelsea and Benfica! Yes, you read that right, nearly five hours of football! And it wasn’t just because of extra time or penalties, but because of a storm and a ridiculous nearly two-hour delay!
Storm Chaos on the Field
The match started at 4 PM local time, and by the 86th minute, with Chelsea leading 1-0, the game was halted due to the threat of a storm. Safety protocols in the USA require outdoor sports events to be paused for at least 30 minutes if thunder is detected within a 13-kilometer radius. But this time, the break lasted almost two hours!
Chelsea’s Coach in Shock
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s coach, couldn’t hide his frustration: “This is not football, this is a joke! I understand stopping for safety reasons, but two hours? That’s not football!” Is this a new trend or just complete chaos?
Drama on the Pitch
The match was a real thriller. Chelsea took the lead in the 64th minute with a goal from James, but Benfica equalized in the 90+3 minute through Di Maria’s penalty. Extra time saw Benfica reduced to ten men after a red card, and Chelsea capitalized on the advantage, scoring three goals in extra time to win 4-1.
Who’s Next?
Chelsea will face Brazilian Palmeiras in the quarterfinals, who won their match against Botafogo 1-0 after extra time. A true Brazilian derby awaits!
Football or Circus?
This match showed how important safety protocols are, but also how much they can disrupt the rhythm and atmosphere of a game. Has football lost its meaning if matches turn into multi-hour dramas because of weather? Or is this just another proof that sport is unpredictable and always ready to surprise us?
If you thought you’ve seen it all in football, think again! This match will be remembered as one of the most bizarre in history. What do you think? Is it funny or sad? Share your thoughts, maybe together we’ll figure out what’s next in the world of football!
