Chelsea has officially secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final, triumphing over Fluminense with a decisive 2-0 victory thanks to a brilliant brace from new signing João Pedro.
Pedro’s Masterclass Steals the Show
An elated Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his pride after the semi-final win. He specifically singled out João Pedro for his exceptional performance, praising the forward’s ability to break down a low defensive block.
“We knew against a low block that João was going to help us because he has quality in the last third against teams that defend deep,” Maresca stated. He added that Pedro’s technical skill in tight spaces and his linking play were key reasons for bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
Pedro, a recent £60 million acquisition from Brighton last week, truly announced his arrival, proving pivotal in sending the Blues to their third Club World Cup final.
Maresca’s Pride in a Historic Run
Maresca expressed immense satisfaction in reaching the final of what he highlighted as the “first edition of the Club World Cup” in its current format. He emphasized the prestige of the competition, featuring the world’s best clubs.
“For us to be in the final is something to be proud of,” he remarked. The manager also acknowledged the challenging journey, noting the team’s strong performance in the Premier League to secure a top-four spot and their Conference League win, all contributing to this final appearance.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup Journey
This marks Chelsea’s third appearance in the Club World Cup final. Their previous runs saw them fall to Brazilian club Corinthians in the 2012 final. However, they found redemption in 2021, defeating another Brazilian side, Palmeiras, to lift the trophy.
Their latest victory continues a strong lineage of performance in international club competitions, setting the stage for another potential triumph.
Injury Worries Ahead of Final
Despite the celebratory mood, the win came with a slight concern as Moises Caicedo had to be substituted in stoppage time after twisting his ankle. Maresca confirmed the injury but suggested it might not be severe, choosing to finish with ten players rather than risk further damage.
Additionally, Dario Essugo was not part of the match-day squad due to a muscle problem sustained in training. Maresca indicated that Essugo might be out until next season, underscoring the physical toll of a demanding schedule.
- Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final.
- New signing João Pedro scored both goals, earning high praise from manager Enzo Maresca.
- This is Chelsea’s third Club World Cup final appearance, having won in 2021 and lost in 2012.
- Moises Caicedo picked up an ankle twist late in the game, and Dario Essugo has a muscle injury.
Chelsea now awaits the winner of the second semi-final clash between European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for a shot at the coveted Club World Cup title on Sunday.
