Benfica – Chelsea

Chelsea are unlikely to win without a challenge

On Saturday, 28 June, the Club World Cup play-offs will start. The first European quarter-finalist of the tournament will be the winner of the pair Benfica - Chelsea. Interestingly the London club came from the second place, and the Portuguese - from the first position. At the same time, bookmakers have no doubts about the favourite - Chelsea are put significantly higher. Benfica fans might have had fears for the play-offs until the last round. The team had to cling on for points against Bayern. It succeeded in doing so - largely because of the Munich squad. Vincent Kompany utilised the reserves. Benfica even managed to win and climb to first place. That said, a meeting with Chelsea is not a good option. Benfica is clearly motivated at the Club World Cup. The team plays with passion, still solid prize money will help not the richest club. Now Benfica has a very high level squad. In attack, Angel Di Maria is in great shape. Forward Vangelis Pavlidis is very dangerous and could soon leave for the top league. In the centre of defence, the combination of experienced Nicolas Otamendi and young Antonio Silva looks solid. Benfica will not be a clear outsider against any opponent. Chelsea will take their own due to a large number of players. It is still difficult to draw conclusions on the group stage. Londoners with a comfortable advantage defeated Los Angeles and Esperance. The games were actually one goal games. The total score turned out to be 5:0. At the same time, the team acted extremely relaxed. In the second round just the concentration was not enough to keep the lead over Flamengo. Chelsea lost to an underdog on the line, conceding three goals. The mood will probably be different for the playoffs. Still, the tournament takes place at the home of owner Todd Bowley, there is motivation and players to get to the big matches. It's been a long time since Chelsea have spoilt the fans with high level matches in international status. Still, the performance in the Conference League was too easy. The English club is the clear favourite in the line up. The game is unlikely to be an easy one. Chelsea struggled in the Conference League final against Betis. Benfica look even more powerful now. At the same time, the Portuguese have already shown themselves against Bayern, albeit not in the optimal squad. The English won't have a big advantage. It is logical to assume open football. It is doubtful that the teams will play cautiously. Of course, the heat factor cannot be ruled out, but one goal is not a judgement. It is possible to consider the options with a resultant match. Both teams are good at fast attacks, but they know what to do when the ball is played slowly.