Chelsea were the latest European giants to make their 2025 Club World Cup debut, defeating MLS side LAFC 2–0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a great effort, getting the ball in space and dropping his marker to the ground before burying a shot into the bottom corner.
LAFC had chances to equalize in the second half, but Chelsea debutant Liam Delap assisted Enzo Fernández with a stellar cross that the charging midfielder controlled and then shot past Hugo Lloris to secure all three points for the Blues in the 81st minute.
The victory makes it a positive debut for Enzo Maresca's men, however, the level of performance must rise if Chelsea want to be considered serious candidates to win the tournament. Up next for the Blues is a tough challenge vs. Flamengo on Friday.
Here are takeaways from Chelsea's win.
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