Chelsea secured their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense in a sweltering semi-final at MetLife Stadium. João Pedro, the £60m signing from Brighton, marked his full debut for the Blues with two spectacular goals, sinking his boyhood club and propelling Chelsea toward a shot at their second global title. The Premier League outfit will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final, with Enzo Maresca’s side showcasing their depth and quality in a performance that blended control, flair, and resilience.
Never going to tire of watching these highlights 😍 pic.twitter.com/XJTH7Srm9J
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 9, 2025
First Half: João Pedro’s Dream Start
From the opening whistle, Chelsea asserted dominance, leveraging possession to pin Fluminense back in the searing 35°C heat. The Blues’ high press and quick transitions exposed frailties in Fluminense’s defense, with former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva, now 40 and leading the Brazilian side, struggling to contain the relentless pressure. In the 18th minute, Chelsea’s persistence paid off. Pedro Neto, a constant threat on the right, delivered a low cross into the box that Silva failed to clear decisively. The ball fell to João Pedro, who took two deft touches before unleashing a curling, right-footed strike from 20 yards that soared past Fluminense’s veteran goalkeeper Fábio and into the top-right corner. The 23-year-old Brazilian, respectful of his former club, refrained from celebrating but had given Chelsea a deserved lead.
Fluminense, buoyed by their passionate supporters, briefly stirred before the break. In the 26th minute, Hércules beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with a fierce effort, only for Marc Cucurella to produce a heroic goal-line clearance. Ten minutes later, controversy erupted when referee François Letexier awarded Fluminense a penalty for a handball by Trevoh Chalobah, but a VAR review overturned the decision, ruling the defender’s arm was in a natural position. The call infuriated Fluminense’s players and fans, but Chelsea held firm, with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo dictating the midfield tempo.
Second Half: João Pedro Seals the Deal
Chelsea began the second half with the same intensity, and Fluminense’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 56th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Fernández release João Pedro with a pinpoint pass. The forward, showcasing his dribbling prowess, cut inside from the left, evaded defender Ignacio, and rifled a powerful shot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. It was a goal of pure quality, underlining why Chelsea invested heavily in the former Fluminense academy star.
Fluminense, now trailing 2-0, made attacking substitutions, with Everaldo and Yeferson Soteldo entering to spark a response. Everaldo came close with a shot saved by Sánchez, while Keno’s header narrowly missed the target in stoppage time. However, Chelsea’s defense, marshaled by Cucurella and Chalobah, remained resolute, limiting Fluminense to long-range efforts. A late concern arose when Caicedo hobbled off with an ankle injury, but the midfielder walked off unaided, offering hope he’ll be fit for the final.
Key Performances and Tactical Brilliance
João Pedro, rightfully named Player of the Match, was the standout, his brace showcasing both technical finesse and clinical finishing. Pedro Neto also impressed, his pace and vision earning praise as a potential tournament MVP. Fernández and Cucurella delivered assured performances, while Christopher Nkunku, despite missing chances, showed renewed purpose. For Fluminense, 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio and captain Thiago Silva fought valiantly, but the Brazilian side’s aging squad struggled with Chelsea’s physicality and tempo in the oppressive heat.
Maresca’s tactical setup was near flawless. Chelsea’s high press and quick transitions overwhelmed Fluminense, while their disciplined shape nullified the Brazilian’s attacking threats, including Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias. The Blues’ depth was evident, with substitutes Nicolas Jackson, Reece James, and Andrey Santos seamlessly maintaining control in the closing stages.
Implications and Looking Ahead
The victory earned Chelsea £21.9m, adding to the £60m already banked in the tournament, with another £7.3m on offer if they triumph in the final. For Fluminense, the defeat ends a spirited campaign that saw them upset Inter Milan and Al-Hilal, but they return to their domestic season with pride intact, facing Mirassol and Cruzeiro next. Chelsea, meanwhile, now prepare for a blockbuster final against either Real Madrid or PSG, with João Pedro’s scintillating debut signalling their intent to claim the global crown.
Match Statistics
Shots (on target): Fluminense 12 (3) – Chelsea 17 (5)
Big chances: Fluminense 1 – Chelsea 3
Touches in opposition box: Fluminense 17 – Chelsea 27
Possession: Fluminense 47% – Chelsea 53%
Lineups
Fluminense (3-5-2): Fábio; Ignacio, Thiago Silva (c), Freytes (Guga 83); Samuel Xavier, Martinelli (Hércules 46), Bernal (Thiago Santos 88), Nonato (Lima 68), Fuentes; Arias, Cano (Everaldo 68).
Booked: Nonato 59.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto (James 68), Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández (c) (Andrey Santos 86); Nkunku (Dewsbury-Hall 86), Palmer, Pedro Neto (Madueke 68); João Pedro (Jackson 60).
Booked: Sánchez 74.
Goals: João Pedro 18, 56.
Chelsea’s blend of youth, experience, and tactical nous has set the stage for a thrilling final. As João Pedro reflected post-match, “I’m happy to score, but I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals.” The Blues are now one step away from global glory, and the football world awaits their next chapter at MetLife Stadium.
