Chelsea are facing a logistical challenge at the Club World Cup after finishing second in their group, contrary to their original expectations.
The issue stems from an unplanned trip to Charlotte for their last-16 tie, instead of remaining in Miami as initially presumed for the knockout rounds.
A club source told Reuters that all travel, hotel, and training plans were made on the belief Chelsea would win Group D and stay in Miami.
However, a 3-1 defeat by Brazil’s Flamengo, followed by a 3-0 win over Esperance Tunis in Philadelphia, left them second in the group.
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Chelsea must now face Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, disrupting their carefully laid-out logistical arrangements.
This detour forces last-minute changes, although the club plans to return to Miami after the game, adding more travel to an already tight schedule.
Should Enzo Maresca’s men reach the quarter-finals, they’ll head back to Philadelphia to meet the winner between Palmeiras and Botafogo in an all-Brazilian encounter.
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