Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory against Flamengo in their second match of the FIFA Club World Cup, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 20, 2025. With this win, Chelsea is poised to advance to the round of 16.
Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, made several changes to the starting lineup, balancing the need for fresh legs amidst the demanding schedule and sweltering heat in Philadelphia. Liam Delap, a recent signing, made his first start for the Blues, while Trevoh Chalobah also featured in the starting XI.
The match saw Chelsea taking an early lead, with goals from academy graduate and new signing, Liam Delap. Flamengo, however, responded with a goal of their own, making it 2-1 with 30 minutes left. Despite Flamengo's efforts, Chelsea's defense held firm, securing the win.
Flamengo, coached by former Chelsea player Filipe Luis, presented a strong challenge. The Brazilian side, which qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2022, featured familiar face Jorginho in midfield.
Going into the match, Chelsea were considered favorites, with many expecting them to capitalize on their strong form. Pundits noted Chelsea's tactical flexibility and the array of attacking options available to Maresca. Flamengo, however, were recognized as a dangerous opponent, boasting pace and quality in attack.
The win puts Chelsea in a commanding position in Group D. With six points from two games, they are well-placed to qualify for the round of 16 as group winners. The permutations for qualification depend on the outcome of the match between LAFC and Esperance. A win for LAFC or a draw in that game would guarantee Chelsea's qualification as group winners due to their head-to-head record.
Maresca emphasized the importance of rotating the squad to manage player fatigue and ensure optimal performance in the challenging conditions. He also acknowledged Flamengo's quality, describing them as a "very good team" that plays "nice football."
Overall, Chelsea's victory over Flamengo was a significant step towards progressing in the Club World Cup. The Blues displayed resilience and tactical awareness to overcome a tough opponent in challenging conditions.
