Chelsea defeated Brazilian team, Fluminense, 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium to advance to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. This outcome moves Chelsea one step closer to winning their second global club trophy and eliminates South America’s last chance in the competition.
In the 18th minute, João Pedro, who was making his first start for the team, gave the Blues the lead. It was a fitting goal against his old team. João Pedro curled a beautiful shot into the net from just beyond the box after Pedro Neto’s cross was only partially cleared, setting up the goal.
With an undefeated streak of 11 games, Fluminense didn’t give up lightly. After sneaking the ball past Chelsea’s goalie Robert Sánchez, Hércules had their greatest opportunity of the first half, but Marc Cucurella cleared off the line.
After it was determined that Trevor Chalobah’s handball against Chelsea was inadvertent, VAR later overturned a penalty call. With a spectacular counterattack in the second half, Chelsea sealed the victory. Cole Palmer advanced with the ball, then transferred it to Enzo Fernández, who located João Pedro.
After cutting inside, the forward hammered his second goal off the crossbar. Fluminense made an attempt to reply but was unable to complete the move. The score stayed at 2-0 despite Chelsea substitutes like Nicolas Jackson having opportunities to add a third goal.
This is the second time in three years that Fluminense has lost to an English team in the Club World Cup. In order to win another world championship, Chelsea will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final match.
