Lyon have set a price of at least £51.5m for 20-year-old Malick Fofana with Premier League clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham and Nottingham Forest joining continental sides Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Napoli in the race for the Belgium winger. (Independent), external
Finally, the Blues have held talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal for 21-year-old Soumaila Coulibaly. If he does not leave permanently, the French centre-back is likely to be sent on loan to Strasbourg next season. (Sky Sports), external
Uno, table tennis and beach - how Miami lifted Chelseapublished at 19:28 2 July
19:28 2 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea's move to the glamorous surroundings of Miami has been welcomed by squad members and staff.
The Blues switched from Philadelphia to a known but unnamed beach resort in Miami for privacy reasons in preparation for the knockout stages.
Several sources told BBC Sport that, although their previous base in Philadelphia was perfect - a five-star hotel in the centre of the city - there was increasingly a feeling of cabin fever due to the oppressive record-breaking heatwave that discouraged players from going outside.
It remains hot in Miami but players have still gone for walks, coffees and shopping trips while remaining relatively anonymous in their street clothing in slightly cooler temperatures by the coast. They have also held a barbecue night.
"Being in Miami is obviously amazing with the beach right there," said defender Levi Colwill. "It is nice just to walk, clear your head a bit. I'd say it is quite chilled. We've got a little card group going on.
"You've got the pool, you've got the beach, you've got a lot of things to keep you busy while you're not playing football."
There is also a games room, which was already present in Philadelphia, but is proving popular, featuring retro and modern console computer games, card games like Uno, table tennis and basketball facilities.
Youngster Josh Acheampong spoke about a table tennis competition for the players, saying: "We did a tournament and Trev [Chalobah] was quite good. Enzo Fernandez and Tyrique [George] are actually also quite good. I'm not the best, but I find it quite fun. It was like a two v two tournament."
Summer signing Dario Essugo added: "We play PlayStation, make some things, play Uno, to make the time pass quicker. The team-mates are very good guys and I am happy to be here."
Families and friends have also been encouraged to travel and hosted by the club for the latter rounds after few came for the group stage.
However, following two days of rest after a win over Benfica, training remains difficult. Chelsea are having morning sessions at Barry University to avoid the worst of the heat, but are still restricted to shorter sessions as they were in Philadelphia.
The other downside of a Miami base is travel. Chelsea went north to Charlotte in North Carolina to play Benfica and will return to Philadelphia, where Friday's quarter-final opponents Palmeiras are based, on Thursday night before the game the following day.
If Chelsea win their 62nd match of the season, they are expected to set up a new training base near New York. The semi-final and potential final would both be played at the MetLife Stadium just across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Chelsea is for 'winners only' - Colwillpublished at 17:05 2 July
17:05 2 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte
Image source, Getty Images
Defender Levi Colwill says Chelsea should be a club for "winners only" and says he has been dissatisfied with his own performances.
The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of the leaders at Stamford Bridge by manager Enzo Maresca and his peers in the dressing room.
Colwill has started all but one of Chelsea's Club World Cup matches, and was clear when asked whether they could win the tournament before their quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday in Philadelphia.
"Yeah, why not?" before adding: "We all know how big this club is and how the culture of the club has always been to win. We're just trying to reinforce that to the young boys, to the boys coming in, that this club is for winners only.
"That's what we all need to do and strive towards."
Despite being a regular starter for Chelsea, Colwill said he struggled in the 2024-25 season. Asked what he needs to improve, he replied: "There's a lot I would say. We could be here for ages, to be honest.
"I know I am nowhere near where I would like to be in the future. There are so many areas of my game that aren't good enough.
"I think I've seen that this season. Of course, defending one v one has been tough this season and just being on the ball. I'm good at times when I'm trying to make passes and there are other times where I've been a bit lazy and you can tell.
"If you want to be the best and strive for the best things possible, you've got to be hard on yourself."
Colwill also revealed he has struggled when on England duty but has followed the advice of a staff member to read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear to help him cope with different environments.
Having been in all but one of England's squads over the past 12 months, Colwill hopes to add to his single appearance under Thomas Tuchel, a defeat against Senegal last month, to ensure he is well placed to make the World Cup next summer.
"Of course it is going to be a huge season for me," he said. "Chelsea are back in the Champions League, we've got the Premier League where we want to push on and do better than we did this season.
"Looking at the end of the season with the World Cup, it will be a big aim to be there."
Dortmund's stance on loanee Chukwuemeka revealedpublished at 16:48 2 July
16:48 2 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Loanee Carney Chukwuemeka missed Dortmund's 2-1 win over Monterrey on Tuesday night through illness but has Chelsea's permission to extend his loan until the end of the Club World Cup.
The Blues will allow the midfielder to remain with the German giants, who next face Real Madrid in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Saturday.
However, Chukwuemeka, who moved for £20m from Aston Villa in 2022, remains surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea prefer to sell, rather than loan out the 21-year-old in the longer term.
Dortmund would happily keep Chukwuemeka beyond the Club World Cup but are reluctant to pay Chelsea's £40m asking price.
They will wait to see if Chelsea's demand changes or whether it might be possible to re-sign Chukwuemeka on loan later in the summer.
It likely means Chukwuemeka will return to Chelsea for at least a few weeks following this Club World Cup campaign.
'A big club with a great history' - Pedro on having winning mindset at Chelseapublished at 14:28 2 July
14:28 2 July
Image source, Getty Images
"When you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."
That is Joao Pedro's message to Blues fans after sealing a £60m move from Brighton.
The Fluminense youth product scored 30 goals in 70 games for the Seagulls after joining from Watford in 2023 for just under £30m.
He is available to play for Enzo Maresca's side in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia (02:00 BST Saturday kick-off).
"Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history," the 23-year-old said.
"They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."
Pedro scored 19 goals in the 2023-24 season - finishing as the Brighton's joint-top scorer - and found the net on 10 occasions across the 2024-25 campaign.
Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "This is a good move for all parties. It's an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.
"It's also an exciting move for Joao. It gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team before the World Cup next summer."
'Glad he's gone' or a 'silly sale will probably haunt us'?published at 18:22 1 July
18:22 1 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Kepa - who was signed for a record £71m fee for a goalkeeper - departing to Arsenal for £5m.
Here are some of your comments:
Stu: Saying he was a victim of his price tag is an over simplification. We had Cech and Courtois at the club at the same time. Once Cech moved on Courtois stepped up - arguably two of the greatest goalkeepers the world has seen. Then we bought Kepa. Their shoes were just too big to fill and it's been a problem ever since. He was simply the first of many goalkeeping failures Chelsea can't seem to remedy.
Trevor: Why sell Kepa for £5m when he is as good, if not better, than any of Chelsea's current keepers? And, especially to a London rival!
Chris: Contrary to a lot of my fellow Chelsea supporters, I always rated Kepa and I still rate him higher than Sanchez and Jorgensen. Unless they bring in someone like Maignan I think Chelsea should've let him challenge as second choice and sold the aforementioned. Good Luck Kepa but not too much eh? Following the same path as Big Pete.
Mike: Glad he's gone. He lost all credibility for me when he refused to be substituted when he first joined the club. The club must always come first.
Dave: Silly sale will probably haunt us and we're giving him away. Showed last season he is back at his best.
Lloyd: That door closed a while back. Not his fault he was the subject of a panic buy and the associated price tag. His refusal to come off was the breaking point for me, I would've moved him on straight away but I guess his silly salary boxed us in! Good keeper all said and done.
Chris: How can we sell Kepa for £5m to Arsenal? I still don't believe that Sanchez is better than he is and I would rather we sold Sanchez and kept Kepa. Thanks for your service Kepa and I apologise for how you've been treated by the club in the past couple of years. I wish you luck.
Henry: I always thought Kepa to be a very fine goalkeeper. Yes he has made a number of errors in the past, however what players have not? I'm sorry to see him go. Arsenal will be well pleased. A bargain buy at £5m for a goalkeeper with his ability and with a history of winning trophies. I wish him well.
'I always want to stay at Chelsea' - Acheampongpublished at 17:35 1 July
17:35 1 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has effectively ruled out a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 19-year-old has been in and around Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in the United States but has also been linked with moves to Tottenham, Newcastle and Dortmund.
Manager Enzo Maresca has said while other clubs like the player, Chelsea "also like Josh" and "my plan with Josh is quite clear".
When asked for his view, the homegrown star said: "I don't really look at it or think of my future. I just focus on my football.
"Enzo said he thinks I'm a good player. I love the club, so I always want to stay at Chelsea and just show what I can do."
Acheampong is is the latest academy graduate to make it through the ranks at Chelsea having been with the club since Under-8s level.
He renewed his contract at Chelsea in December 2024 and is under contract until 2029.
He has only played 14 times for Chelsea but believes he can compete among the great players in the squad and, when asked whether he gets star-struck being among World Cup winners like Enzo Fernandez or England international Cole Palmer, he said: "No, I'm not star-struck. I don't really look at them as big names. I just look at them as my team-mates. So they're all really nice.
"I'd say all the Cobham boys have been really supportive because they've done their journey recently and Tosin as one of the older ones. So everyone has been supportive."
Kepa the victim of his world record feepublished at 17:30 1 July
17:30 1 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea was simply the victim of his £71m price tag.
He was deemed the best possible option when Thibaut Courtois forced his exit from the Blues in 2018.
Chelsea had gone for Alisson but he chose Liverpool with Kepa deemed the next best option, however, Athletic Bilbao forced the Blues to pay his full release clause.
After his wobble early in his Blues career, the Spain international quickly proved not to be worth either the fee or his previous £190,000-a-week wages.
Yet, he was still highly respected behind the scenes and was deemed a top professional, good squad member and a positive character, despite his strange episode in refusing to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final in 2019.
Aside from that uncharacteristic episode, the 30-year-old has been an absolutely top professional at Chelsea and has proven capable of being a number one or number two between the sticks at Premier League level without causing disruptions.
He has always been a good option but not one to command a world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, which he still holds to this day.
Kepa could be a great asset to Arsenal and should push current starter David Raya hard.
'Wearing this badge an honour and a source of pride' - Kepa leaves Chelseapublished at 15:22 1 July
15:22 1 July
Image source, Getty Images
Kepa Arrizabalaga says he is leaving Chelsea with "a heart full of gratitude" after seven years with the club.
The 30-year-old, who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper after his £71m transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2018, is moving to London rivals Arsenal for £5m.
Kepa fell out of favour at Chelsea over the past two seasons, heading out on loan to Real Madrid and Bournemouth.
The goalkeeper had a mixed time with the Blues, playing 163 times and winning four trophies, including the Champions League and Europa League.
However, he also came in for criticism from fans for costly errors, and had some particularly notable moments in cup finals - having refused to be substituted in 2019 League Cup defeat by Manchester City and missing his penalty in the 2022 edition against Liverpool.
Posting on his social media,, external Kepa said: "Thank you, Chelsea. "After seven unforgettable years, the time has come to close a very special chapter in my life.
"Chelsea was my home, my family, and the place where I grew both as a footballer and as a person.
"I arrived full of dreams and I leave with unforgettable memories: titles like the Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup... but above all, moments shared with incredible people on and off the pitch.
"Thank you to the coaches, the staff, my team-mates, and most of all, to you, the fans. Wearing this badge has been an honour and a source of pride.
"Now a new chapter begins, and I face it with the same passion and commitment as always. I leave with a heart full of gratitude."
How do you feel about the £71m goalkeeper being sold for £5m to the Gunners? Could he have still had a future at Stamford Bridge? Or was his race run with the Blues?
Blues look 'more mature' but how could Club World Cup improve?published at 11:11 1 July
11:11 1 July
Pat Nevin Former Chelsea and Scotland winger
Image source, Getty Images
While Paris St-Germain cruised in the second half against Inter Miami at the Club World Cup, Chelsea could have done without the extra stress of a two-hour storm delay, then extra time against Benfica.
Chelsea look more mature and controlled with each passing game right now - even if Enzo Maresca was less composed post-match, infuriated by the weather delay.
It does underline that if this is a dry run - oops, wrong phrase - trial run for the World Cup next season, then the organisers have unearthed plenty of problems from substandard pitches, limited local interest and potentially lethal weather.
Now the Club World Cup has reached the knockout stages, interest has risen, albeit only 26,000 turned up for the heavyweight battle between the Blues and Benfica.
It does beg the question: would there have been as many complaints had the tournament started here, with a 16-team straight knockout competition?
Football organisations are addicted to these group formats - or more specifically for the 'content' these games create for TV and thus the increased revenue for them.
However, a simple knockout competition, with the jeopardy turned up to 11 right from the start, is a huge draw.
Naive though it would sound to those obsessed with squeezing every cent of revenue from the game, it might just get more fans on board quicker.
What does Chelsea's route to the final look like?published at 09:54 1 July
09:54 1 July
It is the old football cliche: take it one game at a time.
But it is often hard to believe that players, managers and clubs do not look ahead to what might be coming up - particularly in knockout competitions.
Chelsea's first thought will be with their quarter-final opponents Palmeiras, who they face in the Fifa Club World Cup on Saturday at 2:00 BST.
But with the last-16 exits of Inter Milan and Manchester City, the Blues could be forgiven for having one eye on who they might face next should they get past their Brazilian opponents.
Many had anticipated an all-European or all-English semi-final on this side of the draw, but Fluminense and, perhaps more surprisingly, Al-Hilal have put paid to that.
So what does a route to the final look like for Chelsea?
If - and it is a big if having already lost to one South American side in this competition - the Blues were to get past Palmeiras in their quarter-final, they would then face either Fluminense, who are captained by former defender Thiago Silva, or Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, conquerors of City.
That game would be played on Tuesday, 8 July (20:00 BST).
And if the west London club were to get past that test, it could set up a titanic Champions League-style battle in the final.
The other semi-final, 24 hours later, would see Paris St-Germain or Bayern Munich potentially play Real Madrid, if Xabi Alonso's side get through the next two rounds that include Juventus and possibly Borussia Dortmund.
It could provide a dress rehearsal for what is to come next season when Enzo Maresca tries to guide his side through the league phase of Europe's elite club competition.
Ipswich Town have registered interest in a potential loan deal for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu, 19, after selling Liam Delap to the Premier League side this summer. (The Athletic - subscription required), external
Pedro 'a phenomenal player' but 'surplus to requirements'?published at 17:51 30 June
17:51 30 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Chelsea's reported £60m agreement for Brighton forward Joao Pedro is good business.
Here are some of your comments:
Azzan: While we could use defensive enforcements, the ownership dishes out £60m on another striker. He is a phenomenal player but he is surplus to requirements and for the fee, is not worth it.
Lewis: Completely unnecessary. Especially after Jamie Gittens joins. Our recruitment is starting to resemble Arsenal, where we buy more and more of the positions we don't need and don't recognise our weaknesses. I am surprised he came as he won't play. Brighton have done us again.
Simon: If they can offload the players not in their plans, keep the rest happy being consistently rotated and having enough playing time, keep the manager and stick to the plan, Chelsea may become a decent team in a couple of years time. But this is Chelsea, so disaster is imminent.
Ayoola: Chelsea's project has become chaotic: too many signings and a backlog of unused players. We need to clearly define our goals, maximize the potential of the current squad, and then strategically fill any gaps.
James: Very pleased with this one. Thirty goals in 70 games is a good return and Pedro can take a penalty too. Very creative player who can only improve and is Premier League ready. Can see it being difficult to move players on. However, considering the long contracts and high wages, presumably the club will be looking for permanent exits rather than paying a portion of a salary for them to play elsewhere.
Ricky: Baffling. We have three forwards already, now a fourth? Even with potential player sales, why is another striker needed?
Stevie: Pedro will certainly help elevate our strike force if the stories about him joining Chelsea are true. Clearly some players will need to be moved on or sent to gain experience on loan. All we need to recruit now is a top goalkeeper and someone to deputise for Marc Cucurella.
Pedro's unappreciated qualitiespublished at 15:56 30 June
15:56 30 June
Karan Vinod BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are expected to buy Joao Pedro in a deal worth £60m, helped in part by the healthy funds brought in from taking part in the Club World Cup.
Their likely new signing brings some interesting dimensions. The radar chart below, using Opta data via FBref.com, compares Joao Pedro's performance against fellow Premier League forwards - and the results are quietly impressive.
To understand the significance of this graphic, it is important to unpack what "percentile" means. Each stat shows how a player compares to others in his position. So, if Pedro sits in the 80th percentile for a certain metric, it means he has performed better in that area than 80% of Premier League forwards. It is a relative measure - not raw totals, but performance in context.
And with that in mind, Joao Pedro excels in certain areas.
He ranks particularly highly for fouls drawn that lead to a goal, a sign of his sharp intelligence and ability to manipulate defenders in the final third. For a Chelsea side that struggled to unlock defences last season, Joao Pedro's knack for inviting pressure in dangerous areas and turning it into goalscoring chances could prove invaluable.
His contribution to shot-creating actions (SCA) also stands out. This metric counts the two attacking actions leading to a shot, such as a key pass or dribble. Pedro ranking highly here suggests he is regularly involved in build-up, whether drifting into pockets of space or linking play with midfield runners. That skilset fits a fluid, possession-oriented system.
His goals minus xG - a metric that compares actual goals scored with expected goals - is also well above average. This indicates a forward capable of finishing at a level above the norm, whether through superior technique or instinctive play in tight spaces, with the caveat being there is room for regression here.
Meanwhile, his percentile in progressive passes received demonstrates his ability to stretch opposition defences and become a dynamic option between the lines - something Chelsea have often lacked in transition phases.
While his shot on target percentage sits slightly below elite levels, perhaps this is a trade-off for being involved across different phases of the attack. Pedro is not merely a finisher - rather he's a facilitator, disruptor, and spatially intelligent forward who enhances those around him.
In short, the data shows why Chelsea were willing to pay a premium. Pedro is not just a £60m investment in goals - he is a player who embodies the modern, multi-functional forward, and could quickly become a central figure in Enzo Maresca's attacking blueprint.
How much have Chelsea now made at Club World Cup?published at 08:39 30 June
08:39 30 June
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea and Manchester City are already quids in from playing in the Fifa Club World Cup - and they could yet end up earning loads more.
Chelsea's win over Benfica in the last 16, worth about £9.6m, takes their prize pot to more than £40m.
There is a further £15.3m at stake if they are able to get past Brazilian side Palmeiras in Saturday's quarter-final.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have earned prize money of roughly £37.8m so far, with their last-16 tie against Al-Hilal still to come on Tuesday.
City bagged the most of any team during the group stage as the only side to win all three of their matches.
Enzo Maresca's side were beaten by Flamengo in Group D, a defeat which cost the Blues about £1.5m.
It is less than four weeks since Chelsea paid £30m to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who scored in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis. But that transfer fee has probably been paid off already - or near enough - by the Blues' prize money.
Or else it has pretty much covered the £29m they will pay for Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian after the Club World Cup.
Pedro on the way in - too many attackers or embarrassment of riches?published at 20:48 29 June
20:48 29 June
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
With news of a £60m deal being agreed with Brighton for Joao Pedro, supporters of other clubs might well be thinking 'not another Chelsea transfer' or 'not another striker'.
The Blues have again moved aggressively and decisively in this transfer window to add two more forwards in Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, having also signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m.
It looks like Chelsea are stockpiling more talent, having spent about £170m on young players this summer, including Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo and French defender Mamadou Sarr.
However, the Blues believe there is space for all the attackers to thrive, especially in a season where they will return to the Champions League following this lucrative Club World Cup campaign.
Pedro's arrival is expected to lead to an exit for Christopher Nkunku as they are similar types of versatile forward.
Meanwhile, Gittens will replace Jadon Sancho, who returned to Manchester United for a £5m penalty fee following his recent loan spell, with Mykhailo Mudryk still provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.
Delap bolsters an attack that lacked a suitable option when Nicolas Jackson was unavailable, while Noni Madueke could also be moved on following the arrival of 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Having done a lot of deals already, sources say Chelsea will now slow their activity on incomings and focus on the difficult task of player sales.
The one weakness with this approach is clubs interested in their fringe or wantaway players could try to force cheaper deals.
Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka are not with the squad in the United States and set to be offloaded.
However, it would be unfair to say Chelsea do not have a plan and their embarrassment of riches in attack is something their supporters can be pleased about as they pursue success next season.
What do you make of the move for Pedro? Are you happy with what he would bring to the Chelsea attack, and how do you see the forward line looking next season?
Chelsea did well after 'disruptive' delay - Jamespublished at 19:32 29 June
19:32 29 June
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea captain Reece James has lauded his team-mates after the club survived a “disruptive”, nearly two-hour, extreme weather delay at the Club World Cup.
James opened the scoring against Benfica in the 65th minute and the Blues looked on course to win before the lengthy stoppage, and Benfica returned to score a penalty through Angel di Maria.
However, after a red card for Gianluca Prestianni, Chelsea then scored three goals in extra time.
James was critical of the difficult conditions in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium but praised his team-mates: "It wasn't probably the most difficult [game] for 85 minutes and then we had to sit and wait for I don't know how long," James said.
"It took a lot out of the players. We cooled down and it was quite disruptive when you're in the flow of the game. We needed to restart the engine.
"We were keeping the legs going on the bike - a little bit of stretching, some music to keep the vibes there. It was in the back of my mind that the game wouldn't be completed.
"It was difficult. The climate was very hot and humid. The pitch wasn't the best but we got the job done.
"We came so close the end and it was difficult to get that kick in the teeth, but to go on and score three goals probably shows how far we have come. The red card probably helped with that, but we did well to get over the line."
Chelsea next face Palmeiras in Philadelphia in the quarter-final on Friday and James added: "They're amazing players and a good side. We're going to set out to win.
”We have confidence in what our goals are going into the game, how we want to play, our structure, defensively and offensively. I think that's more important to us. We have our structure right and we'll achieve what we want to achieve."
Benfica 1-4 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 17:25 29 June
17:25 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Chelsea's Club World Cup last-16 win over Benfica on Saturday.
Here are some of your comments:
Dan: We play so slowly. Zero attack, unless it's a blatant chance which we don't often create. Really boring stuff. I still can't believe this is our best 11 after spending £1bn plus.
Michael: I thought Chelsea were dominant. Benfica really were never in the game If there was any criticism it would be that they weren't finished off before the very harsh free-kick that led to quite a harsh penalty being awarded. The referee wasn't very good.
George: Chelsea were fortunate again to win the game in extra time by what appears a huge margin between the two teams. The game was, until the last 10 minutes of extra time, much closer than the score suggests. Take away the fabulous free-kick from James and there was little else in the 90 minutes from them. We can blame the heat, but talented players like Palmer and Neto seem to have lost their flair.
DR-T: Considering Chelsea restricted Benfica to only one shot on target (and that was a penalty), the weather, the soft refereeing decisions and the soft local attitude to the weather - it was a pretty solid performance in the end. I'm most worried about how tired the squad will be when the new Premier League season starts.
Ahmed: A very good display by the players, though the subs seemed to be clumsy and worrisome at first. The weather impacted the whole thing and is the major concern. I see Chelsea playing in the semi-finals already and hopefully the final.
Freddie: Solid performance from the team all round, especially given the weather conditions. We controlled the game but dragged it out by not converting chances, which was a mixture of us and their goalie having a great game. Thought the new formation worked a treat and (apart from Badiashile) I could see that working well for us going forwards. COYB!
Dave: I thought Chelsea played quite well. I think Delap will become good but needs to get up to speed tactically with the rest of his team-mates. Moises will be a big miss next game which I think could be a tough one. The ridiculous two-hour stoppage can't happen again - people just won't bother watching this tournament or the World Cup.
CL: We played well and controlled the game but there were some pretty awful and very risky passing, in particular from Cucurella. Appreciate that it's been a long season and he's one of the players that's played in each CWC game (I think), but too many were to Benfica players or to no-one. If we're to fight for the title then we need to be better at passing, especially considering these Maresca tactics. Our passing needs to be more direct and urgent. Too often we're passing side to side, hoping for an opening - but organised teams won't give much away when the ball is going side to side!
