East Rutherford, NJ – New signing João Pedro wasted no time making his mark as he fired Chelsea into the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final with a stunning 2-0 win over his former club Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. Just six days after joining Chelsea from Brighton for £55 million, the 23-year-old striker delivered a match-winning brace on his first start for the Blues.
His instant impact earned Chelsea a spot in Sunday’s final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, and secured £25 million in prize money—making his transfer fee already look like a bargain.
Two Goals That Changed Everything
Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box that left Fluminense keeper Fábio with no chance. He doubled Chelsea’s lead later in the match with a composed finish, cutting in from the left and slamming the ball into the roof of the net—refusing to celebrate out of respect for his former club.
His performance was a statement. Despite only four training sessions under manager Enzo Maresca, Pedro slotted seamlessly into Chelsea’s system, offering movement, link-up play, and the cutting edge the team had been lacking in recent months.
“It felt like he’s been with us for years,” Maresca said after the match. “João brought quality and confidence, exactly what we needed.”
Chelsea’s Tactical Balance and Palmer’s Role
With striker Liam Delap suspended, Chelsea needed creativity in attack. Cole Palmer dropped deeper than usual to connect midfield and attack, while Moisés Caicedo controlled tempo from the base. Palmer’s versatility and vision created spaces that João Pedro exploited to perfection.
While Chelsea’s tactical structure is still a work-in-progress under Maresca, the addition of João Pedro provides valuable flexibility, joining an attacking rotation that includes Nicolas Jackson, Estevão Willian, and Pedro Neto.
Fluminense Bow Out Proud but Outclassed
Though Fluminense entered the tournament as underdogs, they outperformed expectations, becoming Brazil’s last standing club in the competition. Coach Renato Portaluppi’s side lacked the pace to match Chelsea’s front line, especially in the absence of key midfielder Matheus Martinelli.
Veteran defender Thiago Silva, now 40, struggled against the youthful energy of Pedro and Jackson. Though often outpaced, Silva’s experience showed with a key goal-line clearance that prevented further damage.
Brazilian teams impressed overall, with Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras all making significant contributions, showcasing the strength of South American club football on a global stage.
“RefCam” Offers Fans a Fresh Perspective
In a separate highlight, FIFA’s new “RefCam” initiative came into play during the match. French referee Francois Letexier reversed a penalty call against Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah after a VAR review, and the RefCam broadcast provided fans with a unique, real-time perspective into how decisions are made from a referee’s viewpoint.
What’s Next: Chelsea in the Club World Cup Final
Chelsea will now prepare for their Club World Cup 2025 Final showdown against either Real Madrid or PSG, set to take place this Sunday. For João Pedro, it could be the perfect chance to announce himself on the world stage once again—this time with a trophy on the line.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow SportsNewsTime on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
