On a sweltering afternoon at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, Chelsea FC secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Brazil’s Fluminense FC in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The match, played on July 8, 2025, showcased Chelsea’s dominance, with their new signing Joao Pedro stealing the spotlight by scoring two stunning goals against his boyhood club. This win propelled Chelsea into the final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on July 13, 2025, at the same venue.
A Clash of Titans in New Jersey
The match pitted the Premier League giants Chelsea against Fluminense, the last South American team standing in the tournament. Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, had defied expectations by reaching the semifinals with impressive wins over Inter Milan and Al-Hilal. Chelsea, the 2021 Club World Cup winners, were determined to claim the global title again, showcasing their depth and tactical discipline under manager Enzo Maresca.
The game kicked off at 3:00 PM local time (12:30 AM IST on July 9, 2025) in front of a vibrant crowd, with Fluminense fans turning out in large numbers, waving flags and creating a lively atmosphere despite the intense 35°C heat. Chelsea, however, controlled the game from the start, with their structured European style overpowering Fluminense’s flair-filled Brazilian approach.
Joao Pedro’s Dream Debut
The hero of the night was Chelsea’s new signing, Joao Pedro, who made his first full start for the club after joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £60 million. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward, who began his career with Fluminense, showed no sentimentality as he netted two breathtaking goals. In the 18th minute, Pedro received a cleared ball outside the penalty area, took a moment to steady himself, and unleashed a curling shot from 20 yards that soared into the top right corner, leaving Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio helpless.
Pedro struck again in the 56th minute, showcasing his skill and composure. After receiving a precise pass from captain Enzo Fernandez, he cut inside, outmaneuvered a defender, and fired a powerful shot that rattled off the crossbar and into the net. His brace not only sealed Chelsea’s victory but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Despite his heroics, Pedro remained respectful to his former club, choosing not to celebrate his goals and later expressing mixed emotions, saying, “I’m happy to score for Chelsea, but this tournament means a lot to Fluminense. I had to be professional.”
Chelsea’s Dominance and Fluminense’s Fight
Chelsea’s performance was a masterclass in game management. They controlled possession, created 17 shots with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.6, and maintained a solid defensive structure. Key players like Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto were instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking play, while defender Marc Cucurella made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Fluminense’s Hercules in the first half. A controversial moment came when Fluminense were awarded a penalty for a handball by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, but referee Francois Letexier overturned the decision after a VAR review, ruling that Chalobah’s arm was in a natural position.
Fluminense, led by their 40-year-old captain and former Chelsea star Thiago Silva, fought hard to keep their Club World Cup dream alive. The Brazilian side, coached by Renato Portaluppi, showed resilience, especially in a brief spell before halftime when they created chances, including Hercules’ effort that was cleared off the line. However, their 13 shots produced only 0.92 xG, and they struggled to break through Chelsea’s disciplined defense. Substitutes like Everaldo and Yeferson Soteldo added energy, but Fluminense couldn’t find the back of the net, with late efforts from Agustin Canobbio and Keno easily saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Injury Scare for Chelsea
The only downside for Chelsea was a late injury to midfielder Moises Caicedo, who twisted his ankle after getting his studs caught in the grass. The Ecuadorian, a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield, walked off the pitch gingerly, raising concerns for manager Enzo Maresca ahead of the final. Caicedo’s potential absence could be a blow, given his fantastic performance that earned applause from the many Ecuadorian fans in the stands.
Fluminense’s Remarkable Journey
Despite the loss, Fluminense’s journey in the 2025 Club World Cup was nothing short of inspiring. The Brazilian side, often described as the “ugly ducklings” by their coach Renato Portaluppi, went unbeaten in their group stage, finishing second behind Borussia Dortmund with a win over Ulsan HD and draws against Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns. They then stunned Inter Milan 2-0 in the Round of 16 and edged out Al-Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hercules. Their defensive solidity, led by Thiago Silva and goalkeeper Fabio, was a highlight, with five clean sheets in their last seven matches before facing Chelsea.
Fluminense’s passionate fans, who filled their section of MetLife Stadium, continued to wave their flags even after the final whistle, showing their pride in the team’s achievements. The club now returns to Brazil to resume their domestic season, with matches against Mirassol and Cruzeiro on the horizon.
Chelsea’s Path to Glory
For Chelsea, the victory marked their third appearance in a Club World Cup final, trailing only Real Madrid and Barcelona in the competition’s history. The Blues, who won the title in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, are now one step away from becoming the first English club to lift the trophy twice. Their financial rewards from the tournament are significant, with the semifinal win earning them £21.9 million and a potential £7.3 million more if they triumph in the final.
Enzo Maresca praised his team’s performance, saying, “We played a fantastic game. Joao Pedro’s goals were brilliant, and the team showed great discipline. We’re now focused on the final.” Chelsea’s depth was evident, with players like Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto also shining, though Nicolas Jackson’s missed chance late in the game highlighted areas for improvement.
What’s Next?
Chelsea now await the winner of the other semifinal between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with the final set for July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. Fluminense, despite their exit, can hold their heads high after a memorable campaign that showcased South American football’s spirit. For Indian fans, the match was a late-night spectacle, available only via live streaming on DAZN, as it was not televised in India.
This semifinal clash was a thrilling display of football, blending European precision with South American passion. Chelsea’s clinical performance and Joao Pedro’s heroics ensured their place in the final, while Fluminense’s valiant effort won the hearts of fans worldwide.