Benfica vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, News, Tips: 28/6/2025

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, two of Europe’s most established football institutions, SL Benfica and Chelsea FC, will face off in a decisive Round of 16 fixture in the 2025 Club World Cup. The match is scheduled for 21:00 local time at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. As part of the first expanded edition of the tournament, this encounter marks a pivotal moment for both sides aiming to progress deeper into a redefined global competition.

The fixture features two clubs with rich continental pedigrees and current squads shaped by contrasting managerial philosophies. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the game holds strategic and symbolic importance in the context of European representation in world football’s evolving landscape.

Benfica’s Structure and Strategy Under Lage

SL Benfica arrive in North America with momentum generated from a balanced run of recent performances. Across their last five competitive fixtures, the Portuguese side have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their latest result — a narrow 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich — served as a strong statement of intent, particularly given the caliber of their opponent.

Under the direction of Bruno Lage, Benfica have focused on tactical discipline while retaining their attacking tradition. The squad has demonstrated an ability to control possession phases and apply high pressure without compromising defensive structure. This has resulted in only three goals conceded in their last five matches, highlighting improved organization at the back.

The Club World Cup presents unfamiliar terrain for the Lisbon-based team, yet their extensive experience in UEFA competitions provides a foundation for adaptation. The tournament’s knockout format will test squad resilience, particularly given the compact schedule and the need for rotation across multiple fixtures.

Key to Benfica’s strategy is the productivity of their forward line, which has functioned cohesively with support from overlapping full-backs and a midfield built around control and transition. Maintaining composure in midfield will be crucial against Chelsea’s dynamic pressing and pace.

Chelsea’s Tactical Resurgence and Depth

Chelsea FC enter this match after a dominant group stage performance and a 3-0 win in their most recent Club World Cup fixture against Espérance de Tunis. The victory confirmed their strong attacking rhythm and underlined their readiness for the business end of the tournament. Overall, the Blues have collected four wins from their last five games, showing significant momentum.

Led by Vincenzo Maresca, Chelsea have developed a well-balanced tactical approach that blends structured buildup with fluid attacking sequences. The team’s recent goal-scoring form — 12 goals in five matches — reflects both finishing efficiency and the depth of attacking options available. Defensively, the side has also tightened up, allowing just three goals over the same period.

The London club’s depth may prove decisive in navigating the demanding Club World Cup format. With multiple high-caliber players available for rotation, Chelsea can maintain performance levels while managing player fatigue. Maresca’s background in player development and in-game adaptability has contributed to renewed consistency in results.

From a strategic standpoint, Chelsea are expected to rely on their high-pressing system and quick transitions to exploit space behind Benfica’s defensive lines. The midfield battle, particularly in second-ball recoveries and forward distribution, will likely define the tempo of the game.

Previous Encounters and Comparative Form

Historically, Chelsea have had the upper hand in past meetings between the two clubs. Their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 win for the English side, contributing to a perfect record over their last three matches against Benfica in all competitions.

Looking at current form, Benfica’s recent run includes two victories, two draws, and one defeat. Their defensive strength, evidenced by clean sheets and minimal goals conceded, will be crucial in resisting Chelsea’s potent attack. In contrast, Chelsea’s four wins in five suggest confidence and rhythm that could make them hard to contain.

Both teams will enter the fixture with differing psychological profiles: Benfica aiming to extend their return to form, and Chelsea seeking to assert control early and reinforce their tournament ambitions.

Prediction

As both sides finalize preparations for Saturday’s high-stakes contest, tactical nuances are expected to play a central role. Benfica’s capacity to absorb pressure and counter through wide areas could challenge Chelsea’s full-backs. Conversely, Chelsea will likely attempt to dictate play through central dominance and rapid attacking switches.

While the new Club World Cup format has introduced unpredictability due to schedule demands and neutral venues, Chelsea’s depth and current form provide a slight edge. Nonetheless, Benfica’s organization and ability to capitalize on key moments suggest a tightly contested match remains likely.

Prediction: Chelsea 2:1 Benfica