English Premier League team Chelsea, have stormed into the FIFA Club World Cup final after a sensational 2-0 win over Brazilian side Fluminense, powered by a stunning brace from debutant Joao Pedro.
The 23-year-old Brazilian forward dazzled under the lights at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night, scoring twice to book Enzo Maresca’s side a place in Sunday’s final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Joao Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a sublime curling effort from outside the box, leaving the Fluminense goalkeeper with no chance. He doubled the lead just after half-time with a thunderous strike that crashed in off the underside of the bar following a dazzling solo run—sealing a dream full debut for the former Watford man.
Chelsea’s performance was marked by a balance of attacking flair and defensive discipline. Despite a few nervous moments—most notably a disallowed Fluminense penalty after a VAR review overturned a questionable handball on Trevoh Chalobah—the Blues kept the Brazilian outfit at bay.
Defender Marc Cucurella produced a vital first-half goal-line clearance to preserve Chelsea’s lead, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrović remained largely untested thanks to a disciplined backline.
Maresca’s tactical changes proved decisive. With Levi Colwill suspended, Tosin Adarabioyo stepped into central defence, while Moises Caicedo replaced Andrey Santos in midfield. Joao Pedro was handed his first start in place of the suspended Liam Delap—and he seized the moment with both hands.
The Blues controlled possession and tempo, carving open Fluminense’s defence repeatedly while remaining compact and hard to break down.
As the final beckons, Chelsea fans in Kenya and around the world will be dreaming of yet another global triumph. Having already claimed the Club World Cup in 2022, the London side is now just one win away from lifting the trophy again—and Joao Pedro looks set to be their new star on the world stage.
