Chelsea Secures Win Over Spirited LAFC in Club World Cup 2025
In their opening match of the new-look FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Chelsea delivered a professional and controlled performance to secure a crucial 2-0 victory over a resilient Los Angeles FC. The game, played in a strangely subdued atmosphere at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was a story of European efficiency overcoming spirited American opposition. Goals in each half from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed a vital three points for Enzo Maresca’s side.
The Premier League giants were made to work for their victory by a well-organized LAFC team. The match provided a fascinating tactical battle and gave Chelsea fans an exciting first glimpse of new signing Liam Delap, whose impactful debut helped secure the result. While the performance was not a spectacular blowout, it was a vital, business-like start to Chelsea’s global campaign.
A Tale of Two Halves: From Dominance to a Dogged Fight
The first half unfolded largely as expected, with Chelsea dominating possession and pinning LAFC deep in their own half. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues showcased a patient, possession-based style, methodically moving the ball and probing for openings. The attacking trio of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto were constant threats, and it was only the heroics of veteran LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris that kept the game scoreless in the early stages. The former Tottenham captain made a series of smart stops, notably denying both Nicolas Jackson and Madueke to keep his side on level terms.
However, Chelsea’s sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 34th minute. A perfectly weighted through-ball from Nicolas Jackson found the run of Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger demonstrated his class, executing a sublime turn to cut inside his defender before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the near-post corner. The second half, however, was a different story. LAFC, bolstered by the introduction of former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, grew into the game. They played with more confidence and began to pose a genuine threat, forcing the Chelsea defense into some last-ditch tackles and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into several important saves. While Chelsea still controlled large portions of the half, the contest became far more balanced and competitive, a testament to the tactical adjustments and fighting spirit of the MLS side.
The Impact of the New Guard: A Glimpse into Chelsea’s Future
This match provided the first real look at Enzo Maresca’s vision for this Chelsea team in a competitive setting. The performance was defined by control and tactical discipline, a clear hallmark of his coaching philosophy. However, the most exciting glimpse into the future came in the 64th minute with the introduction of new signing Liam Delap. The £30 million striker, making his official Chelsea debut, made an immediate and decisive impact.
His physicality and intelligent movement provided a new dimension to the Chelsea attack. Moments after coming on, a powerful surge to the byline allowed him to create a golden opportunity for Enzo Fernández, whose shot was blocked. This combination would prove to be decisive later in the match. In the 79th minute, Delap once again found space on the right flank, collecting a pass from Cole Palmer before delivering a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area. This time, Enzo Fernández made no mistake, controlling the ball expertly before guiding his shot past Lloris to seal the 2-0 victory. Delap’s instant assist on his debut was a hugely promising sign and has already sparked excitement about the healthy competition for the starting striker position between him and Nicolas Jackson.
Starting Lineups and Tactical Formations
The official lineups for the match showcased the different profiles of the two clubs, with Chelsea’s star-studded European roster facing off against a veteran-led LAFC side.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez (GK); Reece James (C), Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; Nicolas Jackson.
Head Coach: Enzo Maresca
Los Angeles FC (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris (GK) (C); Sergi Palencia, Jesús Murillo, Aaron Long, Ryan Hollingshead; Timothy Tillman, Ilie Sánchez, Mark-Anthony Kaye; Cristian Olivera, Denis Bouanga, Mateusz Bogusz.
Head Coach: Steve Cherundolo
A Strange Atmosphere and the Road Ahead
One of the biggest talking points of the match was the surprisingly sparse crowd. The official attendance of just 22,137 in the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium created a somewhat muted and “strange” atmosphere, as described by Enzo Maresca post-match. The early afternoon kickoff on a Monday was likely a significant factor, but it raises questions for FIFA about scheduling and promotion as they look to make this new tournament a global success. Despite the low attendance, the small contingent of traveling LAFC fans made their presence felt with constant singing and drumming throughout the match.
For Chelsea, the 2-0 victory is the perfect start to their campaign. Securing three points against a tricky opponent puts them in a strong position in Group D. They demonstrated that even when not at their scintillating best, they possess the quality and professionalism to secure a result. Their focus now turns to their next match against Brazilian giants Flamengo, a game that will likely decide who tops the group. For LAFC, the result is a disappointment, but their spirited second-half performance will give them confidence. They proved they can compete with Europe’s elite, but they now face a must-win situation in their remaining group stage matches if they hope to advance to the knockout rounds.
