Enzo Maresca Praises Benfica Ahead of Club World Cup Knockout Clash
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has praised Benfica as a “top-level club” ahead of their Round of 16 showdown at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The two European giants will face off on Friday (28 June) in a highly anticipated match.
Chelsea vs Benfica: A High-Stakes Encounter
Chelsea and Benfica meet in one of the standout ties of the Club World Cup’s knockout round. While Benfica qualified top of Group C, defeating heavyweights like Bayern Munich, Chelsea finished second in Group D, behind Flamengo.
Despite recent criticism of the Blues’ form under Maresca, the London side is preparing to go all-in for the do-or-die fixture.
Maresca Shows Respect for the Portuguese Side
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca made it clear that his side is approaching the match with humility and caution.
“We know that Benfica is a top-level club, with a top-level coach and players. It will be difficult,” said the Spanish manager.
Maresca’s remarks highlight the respect Chelsea has for a Benfica squad led by experienced figures like Ángel Di María and packed with young talent.
Benfica Impressive in Group Stage
Benfica’s road to the Round of 16 included a standout 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich. The Portuguese side collected 7 points, matching Bayern but securing first place on goal difference. Their strong performance has made them one of the dark horses of the tournament.
Chelsea, meanwhile, showed inconsistency. After a defeat to Flamengo, they recovered to claim the second spot in Group D, but questions about their ability to handle top-tier opposition remain.
Head-to-Head: Chelsea Dominates the Record
Chelsea and Benfica have met just three times in competitive history, all in UEFA competitions (Champions League and Europa League). The English club has a perfect record:
- 3 Wins for Chelsea
- 5 Goals Scored by Chelsea
- 2 Goals Scored by Benfica
This will be their first-ever meeting outside European competition, adding extra intrigue to Friday’s clash.
Match Information
- Date: Friday, 28 June 2025
- Stage: Round of 16 – FIFA Club World Cup
- Kick-off: [Insert local time if needed]
- Broadcast: Live coverage on official tournament platforms
