A lengthy weather-related stoppage was the talking point in Charlotte as Chelsea were taken to extra-time by Benfica, and another tight affair is expected when they face Palmeiras in the first Club World Cup quarter-final.
The Brazilian side have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games in this competition and held Porto to a goalless draw on matchday one, so it may be a tougher test than many imagine for Chelsea to make a breakthrough.
Enzo Maresca’s side could only manage one goal in normal time against Benfica and were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in the group stage. Five of the eight combined games these teams have played have produced fewer than three goals, and that looks the best bet for Friday’s quarter-final, too.
I do expect the Blues to get the win, though. They were the better side against Benfica and Palmeiras had a tough time against both Botafogo and Inter Miami, so a 1-0 win for the favourites appeals.
A lengthy weather-related stoppage was the talking point in Charlotte as Chelsea were taken to extra-time by Benfica, and another tight affair is expected when they face Palmeiras in the first Club World Cup quarter-final.
The Brazilian side have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games in this competition and held Porto to a goalless draw on matchday one, so it may be a tougher test than many imagine for Chelsea to make a breakthrough.
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Enzo Maresca’s side could only manage one goal in normal time against Benfica and were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in the group stage. Five of the eight combined games these teams have played have produced fewer than three goals, and that looks the best bet for Friday’s quarter-final, too.
I do expect the Blues to get the win, though. They were the better side against Benfica and Palmeiras had a tough time against both Botafogo and Inter Miami, so a 1-0 win for the favourites appeals.
