In an electrifying display that showcased both skill and poise, Joao Pedro scored two sensational goals in his first start for Chelsea, leading the Blues to a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. The £60 million signing from Brighton proved his worth, setting the stage for a final showdown against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
As Fluminense welcomed their former player back to the pitch where his career blossomed, Chelsea’s new striker made his presence felt early. Just 18 minutes into the match, he curled a beautiful strike into the net, leaving Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio with no chance. This remarkable opener not only added to Chelsea’s tally but also marked Joao Pedro’s debut as a decisive influence on the pitch.
While Chelsea initially seemed in control, the match was not without its tense moments. A scare in the first half saw Marc Cucurella clear a potential equaliser off the line after Hercules got past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The drama didn’t stop there; a contentious moment saw Trevor Chalobah initially awarded a penalty against him, only for a VAR review to overturn the decision, evoking fury from the Fluminense players.
Head coach Enzo Maresca, who celebrated alongside his team after the win, expressed pride in their journey, “It’s a great achievement. We are so, so happy, and we look forward to the final.” He acknowledged that Joao Pedro’s sharpness, stemming from a recent holiday, had a vital role in the match’s outcome.
As Fluminense pushed for an equaliser, they found themselves caught on the counter-attack by Joao Pedro yet again in the second half. The Brazilian finished emphatically, sealing the game and sending Chelsea into Sunday’s final as the match statistics reflected their superior strategy and execution. With this win, Chelsea accrued a staggering £80 million in just three weeks, with an additional £29 million on the line should they triumph in the final.
In the post-match interview, a visibly elated Joao Pedro stated, “It was a dream first start. I’m really happy to score two goals, now we have to focus on the final. It will be my first title, and it’s a very special game for me.” His sentiments echoed the importance of the occasion, not only for himself but also for the club and its fans.
The only downside for Chelsea was an injury scare late in the game as midfielder Moises Caicedo appeared to strain his ankle. Maresca remains hopeful that Caicedo will recover in time for the final, a match that promises to be a memorable conclusion to an arduous season full of ups and downs.
With Chelsea now poised to play their 65th and final match of the season at the MetLife Stadium, the excitement is palpable. Tickets are still available, with the cheapest seats priced at approximately £200, as football fans anticipate this climactic battle, which could see Chelsea emerge as FIFA World Champions. The stakes are high, and with Joao Pedro’s stellar performance as a launching pad, Chelsea have a fighting chance, irrespective of their opponent.