Chelsea kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite a sparse crowd of just 22,137 in the 71,000-seat arena, the Premier League giants showcased their quality and depth, edging past the MLS side in a match that highlighted both promise and areas for improvement.
The Blues, fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph under manager Enzo Maresca, entered the tournament with a youthful and dynamic squad. Maresca made five changes from the side that lifted the Conference League trophy less than three weeks prior, signaling his intent to blend experience with emerging talent. Notably, new signing Liam Delap made his Chelsea debut, coming off the bench to make an immediate impact, while midfielder Dario Essugo also featured as a substitute later in the match.
From the outset, Chelsea looked to impose themselves, with Pedro Neto proving a constant threat on the right wing. The 25-year-old winger's pace and directness unsettled LAFC’s defense throughout the game. His persistence paid off in the first half when he capitalized on a well-crafted move to score the opening goal. Neto's near-post finish was a testament to his clinical instincts and ability to exploit spaces, giving Chelsea the early advantage.
LAFC, featuring World Cup-winning French veterans Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, fought valiantly. Lloris started in goal, while Giroud was introduced later as a substitute. The MLS side, who had entered the tournament as late additions after defeating Club América in a qualifying playoff, created several promising opportunities. Denis Bouanga, in particular, was a thorn in Chelsea’s side, forcing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into some crucial saves, including a remarkable stop from a low shot in the second half.
However, Chelsea’s defensive unit had moments of vulnerability, with defender Tosin Adarabioyo receiving a booking for a series of clumsy challenges. Despite these lapses, the Blues managed to maintain their composure and control key moments in the match.
The second goal came late in the game, sealing Chelsea’s victory and underscoring the potential within Maresca’s squad. In the 79th minute, Liam Delap displayed his attacking prowess by delivering a precise cross from the right flank. Enzo Fernandez, who wore the captain’s armband and continues to impress with his midfield mastery, ghosted into the box to convert the close-range tap-in. This goal not only doubled Chelsea’s lead but also highlighted Delap’s promising start at Stamford Bridge after his £30 million move from Ipswich this summer.
Throughout the match, Chelsea’s midfield pairing of Fernandez and Moises Caicedo demonstrated why they are considered among the most expensive and talented in the world. Fernandez’s vision and composure complemented Caicedo’s aggressive style, providing a solid foundation for the team’s attacking efforts. Meanwhile, young talents like Cole Palmer showed flashes of brilliance, contributing to Chelsea’s fluid attacking play.
Despite the win, the game was not without its challenges for Chelsea. LAFC pushed hard in the final stages, with substitute David Martinez showing promise with his tenacity and ability to create chances. The MLS side’s persistence was evident as they bombarded Chelsea’s box with crosses and shots, but the Blues’ defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
The match also drew attention for its low attendance, raising questions about fan engagement for international club tournaments held in the United States. With only 22,137 spectators in a stadium that can hold over 71,000, the atmosphere was subdued, a stark contrast to the high stakes on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s next challenge in Group D will be against Brazilian giants Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday, a match that promises to test Maresca’s squad further. LAFC will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Nashville later the same evening, aiming to bounce back after their defeat.
Reflecting on the performance, Maresca expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort and the integration of new players. “He knows the game we want to play, so the process is quite quick,” Maresca said of Delap’s debut. The manager also praised Neto’s impact, noting his pace and power as key assets. However, questions remain about Chelsea’s goal-scoring consistency, with Maresca acknowledging the need for Delap to develop into a prolific striker if the club is to challenge for major titles.
Expert predictions ahead of the match had favored Chelsea heavily, with SportsLine’s Martin Green recommending bets on Chelsea winning with a -1.5 handicap and scoring over 2.5 goals. While the Blues didn’t quite hit the over on goals, their dominance was clear, and the result aligned with expectations given the disparity in squad depth and recent form. Chelsea entered the tournament on the back of an impressive run, having won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions, including a dramatic finish to the Premier League season and the Conference League final victory.
LAFC, meanwhile, came into the game with solid momentum, unbeaten in their last ten matches. Their squad, though less financially endowed than Chelsea’s—having spent $88 million on transfers since their inception compared to Chelsea’s $1.6 billion under new ownership—showed resilience and tactical discipline. The presence of seasoned internationals like Giroud and Lloris added experience, but the team ultimately fell short against the Premier League side’s quality.
The match also highlighted the growing significance of the FIFA Club World Cup as a stage where clubs from different continents can measure themselves. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to build on their recent success and showcase their evolving squad on a global platform. For LAFC and MLS, it’s a chance to demonstrate the league’s progress and competitiveness against top European opposition.
In the closing moments, Chelsea nearly extended their lead when Neto’s fierce long-range shot rattled the crossbar, a moment that would have been a fitting capstone to his standout performance. Substitutions in the latter stages, including the introduction of Christopher Nkunku and Dario Essugo for Chelsea, signaled Maresca’s focus on squad rotation and preparation for the demanding schedule ahead.
As the whistle blew, Chelsea stood atop Group D with three points, having delivered a performance that combined youthful exuberance with seasoned professionalism. The journey continues, but this opening win sets a positive tone for the Blues as they chase further glory in the Club World Cup.
