Chelsea FC delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis (ES Tunis) in their final Group D match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, securing their place in the round of 16. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George, coupled with a dominant performance, ensured the Blues progressed as group runners-up behind Flamengo, setting up a knockout clash against Benfica.
Match Overview
Under sweltering conditions at Lincoln Financial Field, with temperatures feeling like 36°C due to high humidity, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca opted for significant rotation following a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo. The Blues, needing only a draw to advance due to a superior goal difference, faced a determined ES Tunis side that required a win to progress. The Tunisian champions, known as the "Beast of Africa," were without their star striker Youcef Belaïli, suspended after accumulating bookings in earlier matches, which significantly weakened their attacking threat.
Chelsea dominated possession with 74% of the ball and outshot ES Tunis 16-3, with the Tunisians failing to register a single shot on target. The Blues’ clinical finishing and tactical discipline under Maresca’s guidance proved too much for the African side, who struggled to create chances despite their passionate traveling support.
🔵 Three goals and three points for Chelsea!#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/uHeKlsNzPj
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 25, 2025
First Half: Chelsea Strike Late
The first half saw Chelsea control the game but struggle to break down a resolute ES Tunis defense. The Blues’ pressure finally paid off in stoppage time with two quickfire goals. In the 45+3rd minute, Tosin Adarabioyo rose highest to head in a pinpoint free-kick from Enzo Fernández, opening the scoring and settling Chelsea’s nerves. Just two minutes later, Fernández turned provider again, setting up Liam Delap for a composed finish. The 22-year-old, making his second start for Chelsea after a £30m move from Ipswich, marked his first goal for the club with a well-placed shot, sending the Blues into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Second Half: Chelsea Seal the Win
The second half saw Chelsea maintain their dominance, though the pace slowed due to the oppressive heat. Maresca introduced substitutes to manage fatigue, with Andrey Santos making his debut and Josh Acheampong impressing with his versatility at right-back and later left-back. A controversial moment arose in the 79th minute when Chelsea were initially awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after a review, sparing ES Tunis further punishment.
In the dying moments, substitute Tyrique George put the gloss on the scoreline with a late third goal in the 90+7th minute, assisted by Santos. The goal capped a professional performance from Chelsea, who celebrated their progression in front of 32,967 fans.
Key Performances
Josh Acheampong: The young full-back showcased his carrying ability and versatility, earning plaudits for his mature performance.
Tosin Adarabioyo: The defender’s towering header opened the scoring, and his solidity at the back ensured ES Tunis posed little threat.
Tosin was the Superior Player of the Match last night 💙 pic.twitter.com/MBNprk5rVT
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) June 25, 2025
Enzo Fernández: The midfielder was instrumental, providing two assists in first-half stoppage time. His set-piece delivery and vision were pivotal in unlocking the Tunisian defense.
Liam Delap: The young striker was lively and clinical, scoring his first Chelsea goal and proving a handful for the ES Tunis defense. His movement and composure earned praise from fans and analysts alike.
Liam Delap vs Esperance
— jb (@simplyjb22) June 25, 2025
pic.twitter.com/iIERdEga3v
For ES Tunis, goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but the absence of Belaïli left their attack toothless. Midfielder Houssem Tka battled valiantly but couldn’t influence the game against Chelsea’s midfield dominance.
Tactical Insights
Maresca’s decision to rotate his squad paid dividends, with a blend of youth and experience delivering a cohesive performance. Chelsea’s 3-3-4 shape in possession transitioned to a 3-2-5, allowing Fernández and Romeo Lavia to control the midfield while wide center-backs like Acheampong exploited space. The Blues’ high possession and relentless pressure exposed ES Tunis’ defensive frailties, particularly in set-piece situations.
ES Tunis, set up in a 4-4-1-1, relied on counterattacks but struggled without Belaïli’s creativity. Their low block held firm for much of the first half, but the late collapse before halftime effectively ended their hopes.
Post-Match Reaction
Maresca expressed relief at his team’s progression, acknowledging the challenging conditions: “It’s not easy with these temperatures, but we managed the game well and deserved the win.” He praised Delap’s impact and the contributions of young players like Acheampong and George.
ES Tunis coach Maher Kanzari lamented his side’s inability to capitalize on their early resilience: “We competed well until the last moments of the first half, but Chelsea’s quality showed. We’re proud of our journey.”
What’s Next?
Chelsea advance to face Group C winners Benfica in the round of 16 on Saturday, June 28, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Blues will be without Nicolas Jackson, who is serving a two-match suspension, but Maresca’s squad depth offers optimism.
ES Tunis, eliminated alongside LAFC, return home with pride after their victory over LAFC but will rue missed opportunities against Chelsea. The Tunisian giants remain a force in African football, with their fans earning praise for their vibrant support.
Final Thoughts
Chelsea’s 3-0 win was a statement of intent after their Flamengo setback, showcasing their depth and resilience in grueling conditions. For ES Tunis, the match highlighted the gap in quality against elite European opposition, but their Club World Cup campaign remains a testament to their continental pedigree. As the Blues march on, the focus shifts to their knockout clash with Benfica, where Maresca’s tactical acumen will face another stern test.
