Chelsea’s latest signing, Joao Pedro, made an emphatic first start for the club on Tuesday night, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Brazil’s Fluminense to secure a place in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
The 23-year-old Brazilian, who arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion just last week in a £60 million move, struck in each half at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The victory sends Chelsea into Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain semi-final.
Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute, expertly curling a shot beyond veteran goalkeeper Fabio after controlling a cleared cross on the edge of the box. He struck again in the 56th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack assisted by Enzo Fernandez.
Despite his heroics, the striker chose not to celebrate either goal against his former club Fluminense, where he began his professional career.
Chelsea were without suspended duo Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, while Moises Caicedo returned to the midfield after serving a one-match suspension. Enzo Maresca’s side dominated much of the match in front of a 70,556-strong crowd, withstanding moments of pressure from the Rio de Janeiro-based side.
Fluminense, captained by 40-year-old former Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva, nearly equalised through Hercules in the first half, but a goal-line clearance by Marc Cucurella kept the English club ahead. A penalty awarded to Fluminense for handball was also overturned after a VAR review.
Joao Pedro’s second goal came shortly after Fluminense shifted to a more attacking formation. His clinical finish off the underside of the crossbar sealed the result for Chelsea.
Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, had enjoyed an impressive run in the tournament, including victories over Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Al-Hilal. However, their exit ended South America’s hopes of clinching the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup.
The tournament now appears poised to crown another European champion, with Chelsea one win away from lifting their second global club title.
