Chelsea Defeats LAFC 2-0 in Club World Cup Opener \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández scored to lead Chelsea past LAFC 2-0 in the Club World Cup Group D opener. Despite fan support and flashes of promise, LAFC couldn’t convert chances. Chelsea’s win puts them on top of the group standings.
Quick Looks
- Pedro Neto scores in 34th minute to give Chelsea lead
- Enzo Fernández seals the win with late strike in 79th
- Liam Delap records assist in Chelsea debut
- Chelsea dominated early chances, pressured Hugo Lloris
- LAFC showed energy but lacked attacking edge
- Key save from Robert Sánchez denied Bouanga a goal
- Olivier Giroud made appearance off LAFC bench against former club
- 22,137 fans attended match at 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Chelsea leads Group D heading into next fixtures
Deep Look
Chelsea kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup journey with an authoritative 2-0 win over LAFC, showcasing their tactical superiority, squad depth, and tournament intent in front of more than 22,000 fans at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, The Blues staked their claim atop Group D and issued an early warning to the rest of the competition.
From the opening whistle, Chelsea applied pressure high up the pitch, testing veteran LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a series of early crosses and sharp attacking combinations. The breakthrough finally came in the 34th minute, when Nicolas Jackson slipped a crisp pass to Pedro Neto on the left side. Neto did what he does best—cutting inside on his favored left foot and drilling a low shot past the near post, beating Lloris and giving Chelsea a deserved lead.
The goal not only reflected Chelsea’s offensive organization but highlighted the impact of summer signings, with Jackson and Neto continuing to form a dangerous partnership. Neto’s cool finish under pressure also marked his first goal in a Chelsea shirt at a FIFA tournament, reinforcing his growing role in Mauricio Pochettino’s system.
While Chelsea dominated statistically, LAFC did not fold. Backed by a strong contingent of U.S. supporters and carrying the weight of MLS representation on the global stage, the Black and Gold showed flashes of energy and ball retention—particularly in midfield transitions. However, their attack lacked bite in the final third, with Denis Bouanga their most lively threat. His chance in the 58th minute was LAFC’s closest to a goal, but Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez made a crucial stop to maintain the clean sheet.
The second half saw LAFC attempt to tip the scales with the introduction of seasoned striker Olivier Giroud—who, ironically, was once a fan favorite in a Chelsea shirt. Giroud’s presence brought experience, but not results, as the Blues’ backline remained compact and composed.
One of the night’s brightest moments came from an unexpected source—Liam Delap. Making his Chelsea debut following a summer move from Ipswich Town, the 22-year-old came off the bench and immediately made an impact. In the 79th minute, Delap charged down the right flank and sent a perfectly timed cross into the box, where Enzo Fernández arrived late to calmly finish. The goal not only secured the win, but offered a glimpse of Chelsea’s future: a fusion of high-priced stars and emerging talent.
As the final whistle blew, Chelsea left the field with more than just three points—they left with momentum and a growing belief that this could be their tournament. They now lead Group D and face a lighter path forward if they can continue this form.
For LAFC, the loss is a wake-up call. Despite an admirable effort, they were clearly second-best in both technical execution and squad depth. With upcoming matches against Flamengo and Al Ahly, their path to the knockout rounds narrows significantly. The anticipated clash with Flamengo could now serve as a de facto playoff for second place in the group.
The match also raises broader questions about MLS clubs’ competitiveness on the world stage. While LAFC has emerged as one of the league’s strongest franchises, the gap between top-tier European sides and even elite North American squads remains stark. That said, LAFC’s performance was not without its positives, particularly in midfield tempo and ball progression. But as coach Steve Cherundolo prepares for their next fixture, finishing and final-third decisions will be key areas of focus.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will likely be pleased not only with the result, but the manner in which it was achieved. The clean sheet, the contributions from both starters and substitutes, and the smooth debut from Liam Delap all point to a team finding cohesion at the right time.
If Chelsea maintains this level of performance, they’ll remain one of the clear favorites to lift the Club World Cup trophy—and potentially add yet another international title to their growing silverware cabinet.
Chelsea Defeats LAFC Chelsea Defeats LAFC
You must Register or Login to post a comment.