Chelsea were forced to work hard and overcome unprecedented circumstances to beat Benfica and book their place in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup.
The Blues eventually ran out comfortable winners, but not before a two-hour delay and a late Angel Di Maria penalty which sent them to extra time.
The Argentine was one of the players Chelsea had to worry about, and Reece James mocking his celebration perhaps showed frustration in their ranks at the opponent.
The majority of Benfica’s best performers came in defence, with Antonio Silva putting in a dominant display at the back.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesChelsea chiefs impressed by transfer target Antonio Silva after Club World Cup performance against them
Frequently the centre-back was on hand to stop what looked a certain Chelsea goal, including a remarkable last man clearance to deny Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea have previously been linked with the 21-year-old as a player they admire, however his latest performance against them may have made their mind up for them.
Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that chiefs of the club were very impressed with his performance, and are considering making a bid to sign him this summer.
He said on his Substack: “Chelsea have tried and made approaches and checks on a number of potential new centre back names this summer so far and still have more to look at and in to.
“But one of them was facing Chelsea overnight on Saturday, and Chelsea very much made use of a chance to watch him play again in the flesh.
“Chelsea have been scouting Antonio Silva of Benfica all season and already have him added to our transfer shortlist alongside his team mate, Tomas Araujo.
“But Chelsea are looking for an out and out centre back and attentions have again turned to the 21-year-old Portuguese international who has just two-years remaining on his contract. Araujo has been playing more as a right back this season and that has put Chelsea off a bit.
“Silva was watched closely again last night by Chelsea officials and scouts, and we have heard that they were left very impressed again by a dominant display from the 6ft 2in centre back.
“We believe that he will once again be considered this summer as Chelsea weigh up their options and which centre back to go for.”
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesAntonio Silva’s brilliant stats vs Chelsea
Liam Delap endured a quiet outing up against Benfica, and this was largely down to the performance of Silva at the back.
It has been reported that Todd Boehly is considering a unique method of trying to sign a player from Benfica this summer.
The Blues are reportedly eyeing a swap deal involving Joao Felix, and Silva could be the individual to bring in as a result.