Chelsea got their FIFA Club World Cup campaign off to a strong start with a comfortable 2-0 win over LAFC in Group D.
The match, held in what marked the first-ever Club World Cup clash between English and American sides, saw the Premier League team dominate from start to finish.
Enzo Maresca’s men began as clear favourites and quickly took control, pinning LAFC deep into their half. Chelsea’s early pressure almost paid off when Noni Madueke’s powerful left-footed strike was stopped by Hugo Lloris.
Despite controlling the tempo, Chelsea grew increasingly frustrated as the half progressed. That frustration was evident when Cole Palmer unleashed a speculative 30-yard effort that landed harmlessly on the roof of the net—”symptomatic of their early struggles.”
However, Chelsea’s quality eventually told. Just over 10 minutes before halftime, Pedro Neto broke free behind the defence, cut inside brilliantly—”leaving an LAFC defender on the floor”—and fired past Lloris at the near post to give the Blues a deserved lead.
LAFC responded after the break, introducing David Martínez, who nearly equalized with a curled shot that narrowly missed the post. Chelsea, however, were quick to reassert control. Nicolas Jackson’s header looked destined for goal until Timothy Tillman made a heroic block on the line.
Moments later, Denis Bouanga tried to replicate Neto’s goal with a similar move, but his effort was stopped by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez at the near post.
Chelsea sealed the win 10 minutes from time. New signing Liam Delap marked his debut with an impressive assist, floating a precise cross into the box. Enzo Fernández met it with confidence, rifling the ball into the bottom corner.
Martínez nearly pulled one back late for LAFC, but Sánchez remained “immovable,” denying him with a low save. Neto came close to a second in stoppage time, striking the crossbar with the final kick of the game.
Chelsea now lead Group D and underlined their status as favourites to top the group. A tougher challenge awaits in their next match against Flamengo, while LAFC will look to bounce back against Esperance de Tunis.
