Chelsea Launch Club World Cup 2025 Campaign with Convincing 2-0 Victory Over LAFC
Date: June 16, 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Group D
English Premier League powerhouse Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Major League Soccer’s LAFC 2-0 at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This win puts Chelsea at the top of Group D and sets the tone for what they hope will be a triumphant journey through the expanded 32-team format of the Club World Cup.
Goals from Portuguese winger Pedro Neto and Argentine midfield maestro Enzo Fernández were enough to dispatch the Los Angeles-based side. The match, while not a goal-fest, highlighted Chelsea’s superior tactical discipline, squad depth, and composure on the global stage.
Early Control and Pedro Neto’s Breakthrough
From the opening whistle, Chelsea exhibited their intent. Dominating possession and pushing high up the pitch, the London side kept LAFC pinned back in their own half for large portions of the first 30 minutes.
Chelsea’s attacking threat came to fruition in the 34th minute. After a sustained spell of pressure, Nicolas Jackson delivered a pinpoint pass into the path of Pedro Neto. With quick feet and decisive action, Neto cut inside from the right wing and curled a left-footed shot past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who could only stretch helplessly toward the corner.
Neto’s movement and fluid link-up play with Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Conor Gallagher caused persistent problems for LAFC’s backline. Chelsea’s high press also limited LAFC’s ability to build from the back.
LAFC Struggle to Respond
Despite boasting experienced players like Hugo Lloris and Denis Bouanga, LAFC found it difficult to mount any real threat. Their attempts on goal were largely speculative, with Robert Sánchez barely troubled.
Coach Steve Cherundolo attempted to change things tactically with a 4-2-3-1 in the second half, but Chelsea remained in control.
Second-Half Substitutions Change the Game
In the 70th minute, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca brought on Liam Delap. The young striker wasted no time making an impact. In the 79th minute, Delap surged down the right wing and delivered a cross to Enzo Fernández, who calmly slotted in Chelsea’s second goal.
That strike sealed the result and emphasized Chelsea’s dominance.
Tactical Prowess and Squad Harmony
Enzo Maresca’s 4-3-3 system provided Chelsea midfield control and allowed wingers like Neto and Mudryk to stretch LAFC’s defense. Jackson played a key role in holding up play. Substitutes like Ian Maatsen helped maintain tempo and pressure.
Sparse Attendance Sparks Debate
Despite the magnitude of the fixture, attendance was just 22,137 in a stadium that holds over 71,000. The turnout raised questions about the tournament’s visibility in the U.S. market, with analysts pointing to scheduling and lack of local promotion.
Manager and Player Reactions
“It was a very good result. The performance was solid, and we managed the game well. Of course, the atmosphere was a bit strange, but the players adapted.” — Enzo Maresca
“I just wanted to make an impact and help the team.” — Liam Delap
“These games can define the group stage. I’m happy to score and help the team.” — Enzo Fernández
Group D Standings (After Matchday 1)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Flamengo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ES Tunis | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LAFC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Chelsea next face Flamengo on June 20 in Philadelphia. A win will likely secure their passage to the Round of 16.
LAFC must regroup quickly for a crucial clash with ES Tunis. A second defeat would almost certainly eliminate them from the tournament.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start with Room for Growth
Chelsea’s opening performance bodes well for their ambitions in the tournament. They combined tactical control, squad depth, and youth momentum. While the sparse crowd raised questions, Chelsea’s football did the talking on the pitch.
Stay tuned for more FIFA Club World Cup 2025 coverage, interviews, and tactical breakdowns.
