Chelsea have advanced to the final of the Club World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Fluminense in their semi-final encounter at the MetLife stadium on Tuesday.
The London side advanced to the final thanks to two goals by Joao Pedro, their latest signing, who scored two outstanding goals —one in each half — to lead Chelsea to the final.
It is Chelsea’s second final in a competition in two months. The club won the UEFA Conference League in May.
Enzo Maresca handed Joao Pedro his first start against his boyhood club, while Thiago Silva, former Chelsea captain, led the backline for Fluminense.
Chelsea showed more attacking pressure in the early exchanges and deservedly went ahead when Pedro, their new £60 million acquisition, let fly from 20 yards, bending a curler into the far corner beyond Fabio, 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper, for 1-0 to Chelsea on 18 minutes.
The Brazilians improved and had a chance cleared off the goal line by Marc Cucurella, and had a penalty awarded in the 35th minute for handball, but the decision was overturned by VAR.
However, Chelsea regained dominance in the second period and Pedro scored another beauty to double the Blues’ advantage on 58 minutes, collecting Enzo Fernandez’s pass before unleashing a shot that crashed into the net via the underside of the post.
The Brazilian striker becomes the first Chelsea player to score multiple goals in his first competitive start since Michy Batshuayi in 2016.
Fluminense improved after going behind a second time but could not take their chances as Chelsea’s backline stood resolute to see out the win that ensured a third Club World Cup final for the EPL side, and more financial windfall from the money-spinning competition.
Chelsea will face the winner of the other semi-final encounter between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the final showpiece on Sunday, July 13.
