Chelsea marched into the FIFA Club World Cup final with a 2-0 win over Fluminense at MetLife Stadium, and the match was a showcase of tactical precision, individual brilliance, and a touch of drama. The star of the night? Joao Pedro, who delivered a dream full debut against his boyhood club.
From the outset, Chelsea asserted control. Enzo Maresca’s side played with fluidity and intent, using Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto to stretch the Brazilian defense while Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku interchanged cleverly behind Joao Pedro. The midfield duo of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo dictated tempo and transitions, keeping Fluminense pinned back for long spells.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. After Thiago Silva’s poor clearance, Joao Pedro pounced on the loose ball at the edge of the box and curled a stunning strike into the top corner. He didn’t celebrate — a mark of respect for Fluminense, where he began his career — but the goal was pure class.
Fluminense responded with grit. Hércules nearly equalized with a clever poke past Robert Sánchez, but Marc Cucurella’s heroic goal-line clearance preserved Chelsea’s lead. Then came controversy: a penalty was awarded for handball against Trevoh Chalobah, only to be overturned after a VAR review. The referee deemed Chalobah’s arm to be in a natural position — a decision that left Fluminense players fuming.
In the second half, Chelsea tightened their grip. Joao Pedro struck again in the 56th minute, this time with a thunderous solo effort. He picked up the ball near halfway, drove past Ignacio, and unleashed a rocket that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. It was a goal that sealed the match and underlined his arrival as a genuine force in Chelsea’s attack.
Fluminense struggled to mount a comeback. Their defensive discipline, which had carried them through wins over Inter Milan and Al Hilal, faltered under Chelsea’s relentless pressure. Veteran Thiago Silva, captaining Fluminense, fought valiantly but couldn’t stem the tide.
Chelsea’s expected goals (xG) of 1.6 compared to Fluminense’s 0.92 reflected their dominance. They registered 17 shots to Fluminense’s 13 and controlled possession with 54%. The Blues were sharper, more clinical, and tactically superior.
Joao Pedro was deservedly named Man of the Match. His brace, composure, and work rate were exceptional. He became the first Brazilian to score for Chelsea since Thiago Silva in 2023, and his performance will be remembered as one of the finest full debuts in recent club history.
Now, Chelsea await either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final. If Joao Pedro’s form continues, they’ll be heading into that clash with serious momentum.
