Chelsea vs. Fluminense | FIFA Club World Cup Extended Highlights

Overview
On July 8, 2025, Chelsea continued their pursuit of a second FIFA Club World Cup title with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Brazilian champions Fluminense in the semi‑final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. João Pedro, in his first start since joining from Fluminense just six days earlier, scored both goals—each a breathtaking strike into the top‑right corner—securing Chelsea’s place in the final and ending Fluminense’s remarkable tournament run.

First Half: Early Breakthrough
Chelsea asserted control from the kickoff, pressing Fluminense high up the pitch and limiting their South American opponents to sporadic counterattacks. The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when João Pedro curled a sublime effort beyond Fluminense’s keeper into the top‑right corner. Despite facing a late surge—including a goal‑line clearance by Marc Cucurella and a half‑appeal for a penalty that was overturned by VAR—Chelsea held the slender lead into halftime

Second Half: Sealing the Win
Chelsea picked up where they left off after the break, stifling Fluminense’s attempts to build momentum. João Pedro doubled his tally midway through the second half with another exquisite strike from outside the box, leaving Fluminense’s defense stranded. The Brazilian forward opted not to celebrate out of respect for his former club, underscoring the professional maturity praised by manager Enzo Maresca

Tactical Masterclass
Enzo Maresca’s 4‑2‑3‑1 formation allowed Chelsea to dominate midfield possession and suffocate Fluminense’s creative outlets. New signing Enzo Fernández provided the link between defense and attack, while the wing‑backs offered width to stretch the Brazilian defense. Fluminense, managed by Renato Gaúcho, struggled to contend with Chelsea’s fluid pressing system, only briefly threatening late in the first half

Key Performers

João Pedro: Man of the match with two world‑class finishes, repaying Chelsea’s faith in their £82 million signing.

Marc Cucurella: Crucial defensive interventions, including a vital goal‑line clearance that kept Chelsea ahead.

Enzo Fernández: Controlled the tempo, recorded the assist for the second goal, and shielded the back four with disciplined positioning
Managerial Reactions
After the match, Maresca lauded his squad’s “professionalism and resilience,” highlighting the cohesion developed early in the season. Renato Gaúcho expressed pride in his team’s “overachievement and spirited performances,” noting that Fluminense earned global admiration despite the defeat

What’s Next?
Chelsea will face either Paris Saint‑Germain or Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 12, with hopes of clinching the tournament’s $1 billion prize pool. Fluminense, while disappointed, can take solace in a campaign that saw them earn over $60 million and showcase Brazilian flair on football’s biggest club stage