New Signing Shines! João Pedro, the Brazilian forward who joined Chelsea just a week ago, delivered a stunning performance in his first start for the Blues. Facing his former club, Fluminense, in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Pedro scored twice to lead Chelsea to a convincing 2-0 victory.
With this win, the Blues reach the final of the Club World Cup for the first time in three years, where they will take on the victor of the match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
European Clubs Dominate the Final
The outcome of this year’s Club World Cup is now clear: the trophy will stay in Europe. With Fluminense, the last remaining South American team, eliminated in the semi-finals, European teams have once again asserted their dominance on the global stage by securing both final spots.
Chelsea faced Fluminense, a surprising team from Brazil’s top flight, in last night’s clash. The Blues controlled the match with 54.7% possession and fired 17 shots, five of which were on target. Fluminense managed 10 shots and 3 on target but failed to find the back of the net.
Early Breakthrough for Chelsea
Chelsea opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Neto surged forward and whipped in a dangerous cross. Although Fluminense defenders attempted to clear it, the ball fell perfectly at the edge of the box where Pedro was waiting. He met it with a powerful strike that flew into the net, his first goal in a Chelsea shirt and one of real significance.
VAR to the Rescue: Penalty Overturned
In the 35th minute, Fluminense launched a promising attack. Santos’s header in the box brushed against Chalobah’s arm, and the referee initially pointed to the spot. However, after a VAR review, it was deemed that Chalobah’s arm was in a natural position and not making his body unnaturally bigger. The penalty was overturned, allowing Chelsea to escape a tense moment unscathed.
Pedro Strikes Again
The second goal came in the 56th minute. Enzo Fernandez threaded a precise through ball to Pedro, who sprinted down the left wing. After dribbling past his marker, Pedro unleashed a fierce right-footed shot that found the net once more. With this brace, Chelsea sealed a 2-0 victory and booked their ticket to the final.
No Celebration Against His Former Club
Out of respect for his old team, Pedro raised his hands in apology after scoring and refrained from celebrating. Having spent several years at Fluminense, the Brazilian forward showed humility and sportsmanship in his gesture.
Born in September 2001, Pedro recently joined Chelsea from Brighton. This was only his second appearance for the Blues, but his performance has already left a strong impression.
Head coach Enzo Maresca praised him post-match: “We’re very pleased with Pedro. Everyone is aware of his exceptional talent and his growth potential. He brings a special quality to the game, especially in tight spaces like we saw today.”
Maresca emphasized that Pedro was explicitly signed for his ability to make a difference in matches against well-organized defenses.
A European-Only Showdown Awaits
With Chelsea securing their place in the final, it’s guaranteed that a European team will lift the trophy. The remaining semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid will decide who joins them in the final. Regardless of the outcome, the final will be a showdown between two European giants—effectively turning the Club World Cup into a “mini Champions League final.”
Although clubs from South America and Asia showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the tournament, they ultimately fell short when facing Europe’s elite. European teams once again demonstrated their superior tactical organization, depth, and execution, reinforcing their status as the global football gold standard.
