Chelsea thrashed Fluminense 2-0 in a ruthless semi-final performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, securing their spot in the Club World Cup final. João Pedro, a recent addition, made the difference by scoring an incredible brace against his old team to win the championship and set up a matchup with either Real Madrid or PSG.

Debut Delight: Pedro’s Stunning First Start

Pedro quickly established himself after signing a £60 million contract to join from Brighton. There was no time for celebration as he respectfully honored his boyhood club in the eighteenth minute with a stunning strike from the area’s edge into the top corner. His second goal, which came in the 56th minute, was almost as spectacular: a strong, rising shot that went off the underside of the bar and left the Fluminense goalkeeper defenseless.

He joins Michy Batshuayi, Demba Ba, Oscar, and Jesper Gronkjaer as the only Chelsea players to score a double on their debut start thanks to his brace.

Tactical Masterclass from Maresca

Chelsea maintained midfield and tempo control under manager Enzo Maresca. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández dominated the game by offering both creative distribution and defensive firmness. Heat and humidity forced players to their limits, but Chelsea seemed unfazed and outperformed Fluminense on every front.

VAR Twist and Defensive Resilience

Two times, Fluminense came close to regaining the game: Trevoh Chalobah narrowly missed a VAR-awarded penalty after his handball was ruled to have been an unintentional one, and Marc Cucurella’s goal-line block stopped an early equalizer. Chelsea maintained control of the game thanks to their strong defense and those crucial moments.

Exits & Encores: Fluminense’s Campaign Ends

Having already defeated Inter Milan and Al-Hilal earlier in the tournament, Fluminense retires after a heroic run. However, they were unable to match Chelsea’s elegance and accuracy tonight. Caicedo’s ankle twist gave Chelsea a late fright, but he was able to recover and keep the team’s chances alive going into the final.

What Chelsea Will Do Next

Final matchup: On Sunday, July 13, Chelsea will play either Real Madrid or PSG.

Prize money and recognition: In addition to trophies, a victory would bring in a windfall of £97 million, which would be a welcome reward for the recent significant investment.

Pedro’s position is assured: Pedro is destined to spearhead Chelsea’s offensive after this debut. Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, is under pressure to play.

Highlight Summary

Pedro’s Impact

Two stunning goals to secure a final spot on his full debut

Maresca’s Control

Total supremacy was achieved through tactical discipline and heat management.

Defensive Solidity

A VAR reprieve and crucial blocks stopped Fluminense from making a comeback.

Forward Competition

Jackson now competes for minutes with Pedro, who is playing well.

Final Word

João Pedro’s first brace is a statement as much as a sporting event. Chelsea is well on their way to winning the Club World Cup thanks to Maresca’s combination of technical skill, midfield dominance, and defensive tenacity.

Now that Real Madrid or PSG is waiting, everyone’s attention is on Sunday’s final. If Pedro continues to play well and the team remains disciplined, Chelsea might be one win away from winning the world championship.