'It’s a joke' – Maresca unhappy at Benfica delay despite Chelsea win

The tie took almost five hours to complete after the teams were forced off due to risk of lightning.

Enzo Maresca was angered by the decision to suspend Chelsea’s Club World Cup tie (Chris Szagola/AP)

Enzo Maresca labelled the decision to suspend Chelsea’s Club World Cup last-16 tie with Benfica for two hours “a joke” even as his side eventually ran out 4-1 winners.

The tie took almost five hours to complete after the teams were forced inside, with the Blues 1-0 up with four minutes remaining thanks to Reece James’ free-kick, due to “the risk of lightning in the vicinity of Bank of America Stadium”.