Bayern Munich was expected to secure top spot in Group C of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but Benfica had other ideas. Can they upset the odds again and book a ticket to the quarterfinals? Read on for a Benfica vs. Chelsea prediction and picks for today’s round of 16 clash at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
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Benfica Bidding for Another Big Win After Taking Down Bayern
After opening the Club World Cup by falling behind 2-0 and needing a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors, it looked like Benfica might face a serious challenge for the second qualification spot in Group C.
The first half against Auckland City did nothing to dispel that, as the game’s opening goal didn’t come until Angel di Maria converted a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
The eventual result against the tournament’s most overmatched side was a 6-0 win, but Benfica still went into Tuesday’s group finale against Bayern Munich at risk of elimination.
Then they produced one of the most surprising results of the group stage, as Andreas Schjelderup’s 13th-minute goal delivered a 1-0 win in Charlotte. More importantly, it also delivered top spot in Group C ahead of Bayern, one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Today, the Eagles will return to Bank of America Stadium looking to set up a quarterfinal matchup with the winner of the all-Brazilian battle between Palmeiras and Botafogo, which, fittingly enough, would take place on July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The odds are also against Benfica in this matchup, but Chelsea did not win Group D as expected. Wins over Los Angeles FC (2-0) and Esperance de Tunis (3-0) were sandwiched around a 3-1 loss to Flamengo, who topped the group with seven points.
Benfica vs. Chelsea Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.
Spread
- Benfica +0.5 (-120)
- Chelsea -0.5 (+100)
Moneyline
- Benfica to win +298
- Chelsea to win +100
- Draw +252
Over/Under
- Over 2.75 (-108)
- Under 2.75 (-112)
Benfica vs. Chelsea Prediction and Picks
This is the point where the Club World Cup’s massive prize fund really starts to pay out, as the team that can muster four more wins will come away with a nine-figure payday. Even being a losing finalist will net a high eight-figure sum in prize money alone.
It is also where we find out what the nine European clubs who reached the round of 16 have in the tank at the end of a long season.
In a lot of tournaments like these, knockout matches can be cagey, low-scoring affairs as teams prioritize trying not to lose over trying to win. Might that be the case here, especially with the financial incentives involved?
It is entirely possible, but physical and mental fatigue may also factor heavily from here on.
With that in mind, BTTS and the over both are worth taking a look at for this match and potentially any upcoming all-UEFA contests.
For this match, BTTS carries a lot of juice, but sometimes, having to pay out that extra little bit for something that stands a solid chance of hitting proves to be worth it.
In this spot, it is hard to see either team in this matchup managing to come away with a clean sheet. Benfica did well to hold Bayern scoreless, but even if they eliminate Chelsea (which they are very well-equipped to do, as the win over Bayern showed), it is difficult to see them doing so while pitching another shutout.
Also, an extra sprinkle on Benfica to advance is a worthwhile addition to the board. Chelsea will field a strong starting XI, but Benfica won’t be intimidated whatsoever after seeing off Bayern.
Benfica vs. Chelsea Prediction: Benfica to advance
Benfica vs. Chelsea Picks: Benfica/Chelsea BTTS (-160 at Bovada) & Benfica to advance (+170 at Everygame)
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Betting News provides coverage and betting content for club and international soccer year-round, and we have plenty in store for the coming weeks. For the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, we are providing predictions and picks for numerous games, including Benfica vs. Chelsea. Additionally, we are covering the knockout rounds of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and we may even offer a betting slant on the top transfers in this summer’s transfer window.
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