CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christopher Nkunku wouldn’t let Chelsea leave Charlotte without a win.

The 27-year-old forward scored the go-ahead goal in extra time, and Chelsea poured it on from there, earning a 4-1 victory over Benfica on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16.

The match was suspended for nearly two hours in the 86th minute because of severe thunderstorms in the area. When play resumed, Benfica equalized in stoppage time — but Chelsea responded with an emphatic flurry, taking full advantage of the Portuguese side going down to 10 men in extra time.

Nkunku’s goal came after a chaotic sequence in the 108th minute. Moisés Caicedo’s shot slipped past Benfica goalie Anatoliy Trubin and trickled toward the goal line. Nkunku whiffed on his first attempt — but stayed with the play and buried the rebound to put Chelsea ahead for good.

With Benfica reduced to 10 men after Gianluca Prestianni was sent off with a second yellow early in extra time, Chelsea added goals from Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to seal the victory and punch its ticket to the quarterfinals.

A wild night — and long-awaited win — for Chelsea in Charlotte

Chelsea had been searching for its first victory in Charlotte in more than a decade.

The Premier League powerhouse lost to Real Madrid at Bank of America Stadium last summer and fell to Charlotte FC on penalty kicks in 2022. The Blues’ last Queen City victory came in 2014, when they shut out Paris Saint-Germain.

On Saturday, under a sweltering 94-degree heat index, Chelsea looked sharp from the opening whistle. The Blues drew several corner kicks and controlled possession, consistently pressing the Benfica back line.

Captain Reece James opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a brilliant free kick from the left wing — a low, curling strike that slipped inside the near post past Trubin, who left just enough of a window exposed.

The match appeared headed for a 1-0 Chelsea win until lightning halted play in the 86th minute. Fans were directed to the concourse as thunderstorms swept through Uptown, and teams returned to the pitch after nearly two hours.

Benfica quickly capitalized.

In stoppage time, veteran winger Ángel Di María converted a penalty after a Chelsea handball in the box, equalizing the match at 1-1 and shocking the crowd.

That set the stage for extra time — and Chelsea’s response.

What’s next in Charlotte?

The FIFA Club World Cup continues Monday in Charlotte.

Italian champions Inter Milan will face Brazilian side Fluminense at 3 p.m. in another Round of 16 contest at Bank of America Stadium.

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