Chelsea secured a commanding 2-0 win over Brazilian side Fluminense in the Club World Cup final, with João Pedro starring in the searing New Jersey heat. The victory caps off an impressive campaign for the Blues, who controlled large portions of the game and showcased their depth and attacking flair.
The match began at a measured pace, with Fluminense sitting deep and relying on the counterattack. But Chelsea gradually upped the tempo, and the breakthrough came in the 18th minute. João Pedro, facing his former club, scored a stunning opener with a precise strike into the side-netting from just outside the box, finishing off a flowing move he helped orchestrate with Pedro Neto on the left flank.
Chelsea nearly doubled their lead moments later, with Neto again instrumental, but Malo Gusto’s header lacked direction and was comfortably saved. That miss seemed to spark Fluminense into life, and they nearly equalized through a one-on-one opportunity that was only denied by Marc Cucurella’s dramatic goal-line clearance.
The match remained competitive through the first half, though Chelsea had a few scares, including a potential handball call against Trevoh Chalobah that was overturned by VAR. Christopher Nkunku squandered a golden chance in stoppage time, dragging a shot wide from a promising position.
After the break, Chelsea looked refreshed and ready to kill off the game. Long-range efforts from Moisés Caicedo and Cucurella signaled their intent, and João Pedro struck again—this time on the counter—after excellent build-up play from Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández. The referee played a smart advantage in the buildup, allowing Chelsea to capitalize.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, veteran Thiago Silva was called upon for a crucial goalline clearance to keep Fluminense in the contest. But the Brazilian side never truly threatened a comeback, as Chelsea saw out the match with composure. Nkunku, Gusto, and substitute Nicolas Jackson all had late chances, but the two-goal cushion proved enough.
With João Pedro’s brace leading the way, Chelsea added another trophy to their cabinet, and fans will be encouraged by a performance full of fluid attacking play and defensive discipline.
