Flamengo RJ delivered a thrilling second-half performance to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their second Group D match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, leapfrogging the English side to take top spot in the group.
Chelsea appeared to be in control early on at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. New signing Liam Delap, making his first start after assisting in his debut, nearly opened his account with a powerful effort saved at the near post by Agustín Rossi.
Pedro Neto broke the deadlock for the Blues after a fortunate bounce between two Flamengo defenders. Neto raced clear and calmly finished past Rossi, scoring his second goal of the tournament.
Flamengo responded with determined attacking play and dominated possession for much of the first half. They nearly equalised just before the break, only for Levi Colwill to head Gerson’s effort off the line.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Filipe Luís’ side came out reinvigorated. Gonzalo Plata was instrumental in Flamengo’s resurgence, first coming close with a deflected shot and then forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez into a sharp save.
Plata would soon turn provider, flicking on a header across the box for Bruno Henrique to tap in from close range and ignite the comeback.
With momentum fully in their favour, Flamengo struck again just minutes later. Henrique rose highest from a corner to head the ball down, and Danilo reacted quickest to slot home, putting the Brazilian side ahead.
Chelsea’s woes deepened when substitute Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card for a reckless tackle on Ayrton Lucas, reducing the Blues to 10 men. Flamengo capitalised on their numerical advantage with a late goal from Wallace Yan, sealing a sixth straight victory and ending Chelsea’s four-game winning run in all competitions.
Chelsea now face a crucial test in their final group match, while Flamengo will look to maintain their perfect record and top spot in Group D.
