Joao Pedro’s first start for Chelsea was a memorable one, as the newly signed $75-million striker scored both goals and the Blues beat Fluminense, Pedro’s boyhood club, 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2025 Club World Cup on Tuesday.
Pedro was perhaps only in the starting lineup because Liam Delap, who also joined Chelsea this summer, was suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals. The 23-year-old Brazilian international moved to Rio de Janeiro to join the Fluminense youth academy at the age of 10, before moving to England (Watford, Brighton and now Chelsea) shortly after his 18th birthday in 2019.
Enzo Maresca’s side has now conceded just two goals in four games after they were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo in their second game of the group stage, beating ES Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense to reach Sunday’s final. The only concern is that midfielder Moises Caicedo limped off in the 93rd minute after his ankle twisted awkwardly while challenging for the ball. Maresca had already made all five subs, therefore Chelsea finished the game with just 10 men.
Chelsea will face either PSG or Real Madrid in the final back at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — also the site of both semifinals.
