João Pedro’s remarkable performance led Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final, securing their place in the final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian forward, making his first start for Chelsea after a £60 million transfer from Brighton, scored both goals in a match played under intense heat at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In the 18th minute, Pedro opened the scoring with a precise strike from just inside the box, curling the ball into the far corner after a well-timed pass from Pedro Neto. His second goal came early in the second half, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack. Cole Palmer initiated the move, dribbling past three defenders before passing to Enzo Fernández, who set up Pedro for a powerful finish off the underside of the crossbar.
Despite the significance of the goals, Pedro showed respect for his former club by refraining from celebrating. Having started his professional career at Fluminense, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities the club provided him.
Chelsea’s defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Marc Cucurella made a vital clearance off the line to deny Fluminense’s Hércules, and a potential penalty against Trevoh Chalobah was overturned after a VAR review, maintaining Chelsea’s clean sheet.
The match was played in challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching 93°F (34°C) and humidity making it feel like 104°F (40°C). Despite the heat, a crowd of 70,556 attended the game, underscoring the global appeal of the tournament.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, praised the team’s performance, highlighting their resilience and tactical execution. The victory not only secured a spot in the final but also added approximately £22 million to the club’s earnings from the competition, with the final offering a potential jackpot exceeding £105 million.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, aiming to secure their second Club World Cup title. The match is set to take place on Sunday, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
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