Chelsea FC 2-0 Los Angeles Football Club | Group D
Chelsea goals: Pedro Neto (34), Enzo Fernandez (79)
Chelsea got off to a triumphant start at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ thanks to a commanding performance against LAFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
After initial attempts on goal from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, the Blues finally picked the LAFC lock with Jackson playing a perfectly weighted ball into Pedro Neto, who cut to his left and finished with aplomb past Hugo Lloris for the opener.
To start the second stanza, LAFC looked to veteran striker and FIFA World Cup™ winner Olivier Giroud for a spark against his former club, but it was fellow substitute David Martinez getting Chelsea’s attention with a pair of shots that flashed wide. Ryan Hollingshead also fancied a crack from distance, only to see it swerve over the crossbar.
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As the second half wore on, though, Chelsea’s class proved too much for the Major League Soccer side. Timothy Tillman cleared a Jackson header off the line to keep the deficit at one, but nothing could be done to prevent Enzo Fernandez from doubling the lead. The Argentinian met a cross from Chelsea debutante Liam Delap and steered home to polish off the victory.
Quotes
“Very good result. At this stage of the season, it’s normal you have to manage these kind of things. Overall, the performance was good, and we won the game.”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca
“It’s a really happy feeling for me. I’m so excited to be here and play my first game and contribute is a good feeling. They’ve welcomed me really well, I’ve only had a few sessions here but I can’t wait for more.”
Chelsea forward Liam Delap
“I think Chelsea won, deservingly so. We clawed our way back into the game and played a little better in the second half and had the odd chance to get the equaliser.”
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC head coach
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
