Chelsea's journey in the Club World Cup (CWC) faced an unexpected interruption as a thunderstorm suspended their last-16 match against Benfica on Saturday. The incident occurred with just five minutes remaining in the game, with Chelsea leading 1-0.

The match, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, was halted due to a lightning storm warning in the vicinity. According to U.S. safety regulations for outdoor sporting events, play must be suspended when lightning is detected within a certain radius of the venue. Consequently, the referee promptly removed the players from the pitch.

Chelsea had been in control for much of the game, with Reece James breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute with a well-taken free-kick. The goal rewarded Chelsea's dominant performance, and they appeared to be on course for a place in the quarter-finals.

Benfica, despite a good showing in the group stage, struggled to create chances and penetrate Chelsea's defense. The Portuguese side found it difficult to break down Chelsea's back line, leaving them with little opportunity to mount a comeback before the weather interruption.

With only a few minutes left to play, it remains uncertain whether the match will resume from the point of suspension or if the current score will stand. The winner of the Chelsea-Benfica tie will face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, after the Brazilian side secured a 1-0 victory over Botafogo.

The suspension occurred after the game had been played in sweltering 32C heat. The weather took a turn as the final whistle approached, with the sky darkening before the thunderstorm hit.