Chelsea advanced the quarter-finals of the World Club Championship over the weekend after a 4-1 win against Benfica in the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
But the goal line was not the main discussion – it was the massive delay.
Since Chelsea led 1-0 thanks to a Reece James Free Kick, the match was suddenly hung on the clock with only four minutes, as there were severe storm warnings in Charlotte.
The fans were evacuated while the players were led from the field and back to the changing room, where they waited 113 minutes before the game was finally resumed.
So what did the players take during this long break? James has now spilled the beans.
“It was about recovery, legs on the bike and listened to music to keep the mood going,” said the English international. “It takes a lot from the players to cool off and start this engine again, but we are glad that we have done the work.”
And let the work you do. Although Angel di Maria compensated for a punishment almost immediately after restarting to send the game into the extension, Chelsea dominated from there.
The goals of Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed a convincing victory for Enzo Maresca’s team.
Despite the result, Maresca was not satisfied with the circumstances.
“You can’t be inside for two hours. It is something completely new,” says Italian aftermath.
“I understand that the game has suspended the game out of security, but if you suspend six or seven games, it may not be the right place to organize this competition.”
At least the 2026 World Cup is not held in the United States … Oh, wait.
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