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Chelsea reached the FIFA Club World Cup final with a convincing 2–0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense, powered by a stellar brace from new signing João Pedro—his first goals for the Blues in his first start.
Pedro, signed from Brighton for £60 million just weeks ago, curled home a beautiful strike from outside the box in the 18th minute, unmarked and precise, before doubling the lead in the 56th following a swift counterattack. In a respectful nod to his boyhood club, he refrained from celebrations.
Played under scorching heat of over 35 °C in New Jersey, Chelsea managed the pace and rhythm of the match smartly. Fluminense’s attempts to respond were thwarted by tight defending, including a key goalline clearance by Marc Cucurella and an overturned penalty via VAR.
After the match, manager Enzo Maresca praised Pedro’s immediate impact and pointed to the season’s achievements. “It’s been a fantastic season… now in the final in the Club World Cup,” he remarked, adding that Chelsea must build on both their form and performance despite the harsh conditions.
Chelsea now await the winner of the Real Madrid vs Paris Saint‑Germain semifinal, with the final slated for Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Pedro’s impactful debut makes him a key figure in the Blues’ quest for football’s most prestigious club title.
