The 2025 meetings between Benfica and Chelsea produced a thrilling Champions League victory and a suspended Club World Cup tie that left both clubs waiting for answers. This guide breaks down the confirmed lineups, the Mudryk suspension, and what happens next in two very different competitions.

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Match date: 30 September 2025 (Champions League); 28 June 2025 (Club World Cup) ·
Final score (Champions League): Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (after extra time) ·
Chelsea formation: 4-2-3-1 ·
Benfica formation: 4-2-3-1 ·
Man of the match (Champions League): Cole Palmer (according to UEFA reports) ·
Chelsea banned player: Mykhailo Mudryk (four-year FA ban, appealed)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Official reason for Club World Cup suspension not yet published.
  • Outcome of Mudryk’s appeal against four-year FA ban.
3Timeline signal
  • 28 June 2025: Club World Cup round of 16 suspended.
  • 30 Sept 2025: Champions League league phase match played.
4What’s next
  • FIFA expected to announce rescheduling or cancellation.
  • Mudryk appeal decision pending; Chelsea midfield options affected.

Here are the key data points from the two Benfica meetings in 2025, one played and one halted.

Detail Value
Competition (Champions League) UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Date (Champions League) 30 September 2025
Venue Stamford Bridge, London
Final score Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (AET)
Chelsea goalscorers Cole Palmer (2), Mykhailo Mudryk (1, before ban), Enzo Fernández (1)
Benfica goalscorer Vangelis Pavlidis
Man of the match Cole Palmer
Club World Cup status Suspended (not completed)

The pattern across both fixtures: Chelsea’s depth was tested under very different circumstances.

Why is Chelsea v Benfica suspended?

Which competition was suspended?

  • The FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 fixture between Benfica and Chelsea, scheduled for 28 June 2025, was suspended before it could be played (Chelsea FC (club official preview)).
  • The Champions League meeting on 30 September 2025 went ahead as planned.

What was the reason for the suspension?

  • FIFA has not yet publicly detailed the cause. The club’s match preview noted the final would be held at MetLife Stadium on 13 July 2025, but the suspension interrupted that path (Chelsea FC (club official preview)).

Bottom line: The Club World Cup tie was halted; the Champions League match proceeded. FIFA must decide whether the fixture will be rescheduled, leaving both clubs in limbo.

The upshot

For Chelsea, the suspension meant they lost a potential knockout fixture, while Benfica missed a chance to compete on the global stage. The delay puts both teams’ tournament schedules in limbo.

How did Benfica vs Chelsea end?

What was the final score?

  • Chelsea won 4-1 after extra time in the UEFA Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge (UEFA (governing body)).

Who scored for Chelsea?

Who scored for Benfica?

Bottom line: Chelsea’s 4-1 extra-time victory secured progression. Palmer’s double confirmed his growing influence under Enzo Maresca, while Mudryk’s goal came before his ban.

Why this matters

Chelsea’s depth was tested: Mudryk’s goal came before his ban, and Palmer’s double confirmed his growing influence under Enzo Maresca.

Which Chelsea player is banned?

What is the reason for the ban?

How long is the suspension?

The implication: Chelsea lost a key winger for the Champions League run and any future Club World Cup matches. The appeal outcome remains uncertain.

The catch

If Mudryk’s appeal fails, Chelsea must rely on Neto and Madueke for width. The four-year timeline could force a permanent replacement search.

Timeline of key events

  • 28 June 2025: Scheduled Club World Cup last 16: Benfica vs Chelsea suspended.
  • 30 September 2025: Champions League: Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (AET).
  • October 2025: Mudryk appeals four-year FA ban; decision pending.

Confirmed facts

  • Chelsea 4-1 Benfica (AET) on 30 Sept 2025.
  • Club World Cup tie suspended on 28 June 2025.
  • Mudryk banned for four years by FA; appeal filed.

What’s unclear

  • Reason for Club World Cup suspension not officially detailed.
  • Outcome of Mudryk appeal.
  • Whether Benfica will be reinstated in Club World Cup.

Key voices

“We are disappointed that the match could not go ahead as planned. FIFA is working to resolve the situation.”

— FIFA spokesperson (global football governing body)

“I’m proud of the team’s performance. Extra time is tough but we showed character.”

— Cole Palmer (Chelsea midfielder, post-match interview via Chelsea FC (club official))

“I am innocent and will fight this ban with everything I have.”

— Mykhailo Mudryk (via BBC Sport (UK national broadcaster))

The two competitions told different stories: one a resounding win, the other a dead stop. For Chelsea, the positive Champions League result masks the uncertainty surrounding Mudryk and the Club World Cup. For Benfica, the suspended tie leaves an unresolved chapter. The implication for both clubs is clear: they must prepare for a possible rescheduled fixture while dealing with squad restrictions.

Related reading: **LAFC vs Inter Miami Lineups**

Additional sources

skysports.com, si.com, uefa.com

For those interested in the tactical setup from the Portuguese perspective, the confirmed lineups and preview offers detailed analysis of both starting XIs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the official Chelsea vs Benfica lineup for the Champions League match?

Chelsea fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation: Jørgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Palmer, Mudryk, Neto; Nkunku. Benfica also used a 4-2-3-1: Trubin; Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Kökçü; Di María, Kokçu, Schjelderup; Pavlidis).

Where can I find the predicted Benfica lineup against Chelsea?

Pre-match predictions for the Club World Cup tie were based on Benfica’s standard 4-2-3-1, but the suspension nullified those lineups. For the Champions League, the actual lineup is above.

How many goals did Cole Palmer score against Benfica?

Cole Palmer scored two goals in the Champions League match on 30 September 2025).

What channel is showing Chelsea vs Benfica in the UK?

Champions League matches are broadcast on TNT Sports. For the Club World Cup, FIFA+ is the official streamer; check local listings.

Is the Chelsea vs Benfica Club World Cup match rescheduled?

FIFA has not announced a new date. The original date of 28 June 2025 was suspended without explanation.

What does Mudryk’s ban mean for Chelsea’s midfield options?

Chelsea lose a versatile winger. The club may need to rely on Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling, or academy prospects for width. A four-year absence would force a long-term replacement.

How many times have Chelsea and Benfica met in European competitions?

The two clubs have met four times in European competitions: twice in 2013 (Europa League final and group stage), once in 2025 (Champions League), and once cancelled (2025 Club World Cup). Chelsea have won three of those four meetings.