Chelsea has successfully navigated the semifinal stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, securing a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense. This result propels the London club into the highly anticipated final. The narrative of the match was significantly shaped by forward Joao Pedro, who delivered a standout performance, marking his first goals for the Blues with a crucial brace.
Making his first start for Chelsea, replacing the suspended Liam Delap, Pedro wasted no time in demonstrating his value. His two goals were not only decisive but also his first since joining the club, instantly validating his inclusion in the squad. As the tenth different goalscorer for Chelsea in this tournament, Pedro`s emergence presents head coach Enzo Maresca with an intriguing selection decision for the upcoming final.
While Pedro provided the finishing touch, the foundation for Chelsea`s control was firmly laid in midfield by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Their tactical awareness and relentless work rate effectively stifled Fluminense`s attacking threats before they could develop. Fernandez, in particular, orchestrated quick transitions with precise passing, even providing the assist for Pedro`s second goal, which offered Chelsea vital breathing room.
The match was not without its moments of tension. Late in the first half, a goal-line clearance from Marc Cucurella preserved Chelsea`s lead, shortly followed by a penalty scare involving Trevoh Chalobah. Chalobah was initially penalized for handball, but a subsequent VAR review overturned the decision. Under the specific interpretation of the handball rule applied in this tournament – differing subtly from standard club competitions, allowing for `natural position` leniency – Chalobah was, shall we say, granted a fortunate reprieve.
Capitalizing on this lifeline, Chelsea professionally saw out the remainder of the game. Coach Enzo Maresca has managed his squad depth effectively throughout the tournament, guiding the team back to the Club World Cup final for the first time since their victorious campaign in 2021 (a tournament contested under a different structure). Having already secured the Conference League trophy earlier in the season, Chelsea now stands just 90 minutes away from adding another significant piece of silverware.
The final, scheduled for July 13th, will pit Chelsea against either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid – a formidable test regardless of the opponent. For a Chelsea side returning to the Champions League next season, this tournament serves as an invaluable benchmark against Europe`s elite. Regardless of the final outcome, the performance in reaching this stage is undoubtedly a positive note heading into the offseason.
