CR Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea FC | Group D
CR Flamengo goals: Bruno Henrique (62), Danilo (64), Wallace Yan (83)
Chelsea FC goal: Pedro Neto (13)
CR Flamengo came from a goal down to beat 10-man Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in what was one of the most pulsating matches yet at the FIFA Club World Cup™.
The win for the Mengao means CONMEBOL clubs remain undefeated at the tournament, but more importantly, it leaves the Rio club alone atop Group D going into the last round of the group stage.
In the opening stanza, Flamengo had the better of the opportunities, dominating the ball and threatening Robert Sanchez’s goal multiple times. Against the run of play, Chelsea broke the deadlock.
Flamengo right-back Wesley failed to deal with a long ball on the halfway line, which Pedro Neto immediately pounced on. The Portuguese winger accelerated away from the defenders and coolly finished past Agustin Rossi.
The game remained high-octane after the break. First, it was the Brazilians who nearly scored. Captain Gerson recovered the ball near the halfway line, cut back in the penalty area past his counterpart Reece James, but his shot was deflected and dribbled past the far post.
Flamengo’s effort finally paid dividends in the 61st minute when substitute Bruno Henrique tapped in at the far post after striker Plata headed across goal.
Flamengo fans were in ecstasy moments later when their team scored a carbon copy of their opening goal. This time a corner kick was floated to the back post where Bruno Henrique headed across goal and Danilo volleyed home.
Nicolas Jackson’s birthday was ruined just four minutes into his substitute appearance. His stamping challenge on a Flamengo defender earned him a red card, leaving the Blues with 10 men with more than 20 minutes to play.
Substitute Wallace Yan added to the fun, netting a late goal to put the game beyond doubt for the Brazilians.
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Quotes
“We conceded two goals in a very short period, and then we had the red card. It was then very complicated to get back in the game, but we tried. Congratulations to them. I think they deserved to win. Now we have one more game (in the group phase), and we will try to win the next one.”
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea coach
“I thought we would have chances against them. I am really proud because after Wesley’s mistake (for Pedro Neto’s goal), the team didn’t stop playing. We kept playing the same way we always play. My heart is warm right now because of this. Bruno Henrique is special, he’s the player with the most titles in the club’s history. It doesn’t matter if he plays one minute, five minutes or 90, he always gives his heart. I’m really happy for him.”
Filipe Luis, Flamengo coach
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Bruno Henrique (Flamengo)
