Enzo, Neto Fire Chelsea Past LAFC in Club World Cup Opener

Chelsea kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a confident 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the first half, and Enzo Fernández sealed the win with a second-half strike set up by Liam Delap on his debut.

Pedro Neto Dazzles with First-Half Opener

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute after a slick attacking move. Pedro Neto latched onto a pass from Nicolas Jackson, twisted past Ryan Hollingshead, and fired a low shot past LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris. Neto’s sharp dribbling and decisive finishing set the tone for Chelsea’s dominant performance.

The Portuguese winger continued to impress throughout the match, nearly doubling his tally with a second-half effort that struck the crossbar.

Enzo Fernández Doubles the Lead After Delap’s Brilliant Assist

Chelsea’s second goal arrived in the 79th minute thanks to a well-orchestrated play by debutant Liam Delap. The 21-year-old forward whipped in a perfect low cross from the right flank, which Enzo Fernández met with a clean left-footed finish to secure the 2-0 lead.

Delap’s immediate impact off the bench gave fans a glimpse of Chelsea’s attacking depth, while Enzo’s composed finish highlighted his importance in the Blues' midfield setup.

Defensive Stability and Sánchez’s Key Saves

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was alert throughout the game, making four vital saves to keep a clean sheet. LAFC threatened through Denis Bouanga and Olivier Giroud, but the Blues' backline held firm, with Sánchez’s command of the box proving crucial.

Sparse Crowd and Flat Atmosphere
Despite the high-profile clash, the game drew a modest attendance of just 22,000 fans in a stadium built for over 70,000. The subdued atmosphere was noted by both managers, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca calling for better promotion and turnout for the competition.

Tactical Notes

Chelsea dominated possession (over 65%), controlled the tempo, and limited LAFC to only a few clear chances. Marc Cucurella showed signs of vulnerability defensively, but the midfield trio of Fernández, Gallagher, and Ugochukwu held firm. Neto's flair and Delap’s promising debut added fresh attacking dimensions.

 
What’s Next?

With this victory, Chelsea go top of Group D and now prepare for their next match against Flamengo in Philadelphia. LAFC, meanwhile, face a must-win clash against Espérance de Tunis in Nashville to stay in contention.

This result not only boosts Chelsea’s momentum but also highlights their growing squad depth. With Pedro Neto flourishing and Enzo Fernández pulling strings in midfield, the Blues have laid down an early marker in their pursuit of global glory.

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