Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC, but the Premier League side had to work hard to break down a resilient MLS opponent. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secured the win, while debutant Liam Delap impressed off the bench with an assist.
Match Highlights
⚽ 34’ – GOAL! Pedro Neto opened the scoring with a composed finish after Nicolas Jackson’s clever pass.
⚽ 83’ – GOAL! Enzo Fernandez sealed the win with a volley from Delap’s pinpoint cross.
🔄 Debut Delight: Summer signing Liam Delap made an instant impact, setting up Fernandez’s goal.
❌ Missed Chance: Cole Palmer blazed over from close range when Chelsea needed a second goal.
Player Ratings (Out of 10)
🔹 Standout Performers
- Liam Delap (8/10) – Lively cameo, assist on debut.
- Pedro Neto (7/10) – Clinical finish, hit the crossbar late.
- Enzo Fernandez (7/10) – Came off the bench to score and lead.
- Moises Caicedo (7/10) – Dominated midfield battles.
🔹 Solid Contributions
- Nicolas Jackson (7/10) – Assist for Neto, linked play well.
- Marc Cucurella (7/10) – Strong defensively.
- Robert Sanchez (6/10) – Rarely tested but reliable.
🔹 Room for Improvement
- Noni Madueke (5/10) – Promising but lacked end product.
- Tyrique George (5/10) – Limited impact off the bench.
Manager’s Verdict
Enzo Maresca fielded a strong XI, treating the match seriously despite LAFC’s underdog status. While Chelsea controlled possession, they lacked intensity at times. Post-match, Maresca said:
“Good start, but we must be sharper. Delap showed his quality—exciting for the future.”
What’s Next?
Chelsea advances in the Club World Cup, with their next opponent to be determined. LAFC exits after a valiant effort.
Stay tuned to Indian Sports Hub for more updates!
