Joao Pedro’s brace sends Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup final
Chelsea have booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final after a composed and clinical 2-0 victory over Brazilian giants Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. The semi-final clash saw Enzo Maresca’s young side show maturity beyond their years, it was a debut brace from Joao Pedro, against his boyhood club, that secured the win and left Blues fans dreaming of global glory.
From the opening whistle, Chelsea imposed their rhythm, showcasing not just possession dominance but tactical discipline. The midfield pairing of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez snuffed out threats early, while the backline, anchored by Trevoh Chalobah and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo, stood firm when tested.
With European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain set to clash in the other semi-final, Chelsea now stand just one win away from being crowned world champions.
Joao Pedro announces himself on the big stage
Making his full debut in the iconic blue shirt, Joao Pedro stole the headlines, opening the scoring with a sublime strike in the 18th minute. After a cleared cross from Pedro Neto found him 20 yards from goal, the 23-year-old unleashed a curling effort that rocketed past the 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio into the far corner.
If his first goal was classy, the second, just minutes after the interval, was thunderous. With Fluminense pushing higher in search of an equalizer, Chelsea pounced on the break. A seamless transition, started by Neto and Palmer, allowed Joao Pedro to glide past his marker and rifle an unstoppable shot off the crossbar, doubling Chelsea’s lead and putting the tie to bed.
The Brazilian forward, out of respect for his former club, chose not to celebrate either goal wildly. But his impact was undeniable, the boy from Rio delivering heartbreak to the club that raised him.
Full Match report: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
Despite a spell of pressure from Fluminense late in the first half, Chelsea never lost their composure. Marc Cucurella cleared a near-equalizer off the line, and a VAR-overturned penalty decision went in the Blues’ favor. In truth, Robert Sanchez remained largely untested, thanks to a disciplined and organized Chelsea defence.
Maresca's men looked to add more in the final 30 minutes, with Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, and substitute Nicolas Jackson all going close. But the two-goal cushion proved enough as Chelsea smartly managed the game through a flurry of second-half substitutions and almost ten minutes of stoppage time.
Joao Pedro wonder goals send Chelsea to the final
Maresca’s in-game management also stood out. Forced into changes due to suspensions for Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, he shuffled his pack efficiently. Tosin Adarabioyo slotted into defence seamlessly, and Joao Pedro took his starting opportunity with both hands. His attacking trio, Nkunku, Palmer, and Neto constantly threatened, with Neto in particular giving Fluminense’s backline a torrid time down the left.
Late cameos from Andrey Santos and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added fresh legs and secured the clean sheet, ensuring the Blues saw out the win without any late drama.
Match Summary
Chelsea 2-0 Fluminense
Goals: Joao Pedro (18', 49')
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Man of the Match: Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto (James 68’), Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (Santos 86’); Nkunku (Dewsbury-Hall 86’), Palmer, Pedro Neto (Madueke 68’); Joao Pedro (Jackson 60’)
Fluminense XI: Fabio; Ignacio, Thiago Silva, Thiago Santos (Keno 54’); Guga, Herclues (Canobbio 70’), Bernal, Nonato (Soteldo 66’), Rene; Arias, Cano (Everaldo 54’)
What’s Next?
Chelsea will return to the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 13 to face the winner of Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain. Kickoff is scheduled for 8PM BST / 3PM ET, with fans across the world set to tune in for the showdown.
Can the Blues bring the Club World Cup home? One final match stands in their way.
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