Despite a performance that lacked consistent dominance, Chelsea showcased their undeniable quality to secure a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in their FIFA Club World Cup Group D opener on Monday.
The English giants, while not at their free-flowing best, capitalized on key opportunities to begin their tournament campaign with a crucial win.
The first half offered an engaging spectacle, with Chelsea initially dictating play and crafting several promising chances.
Early threats came from Nicolas Jackson in the 6th minute, whose well-struck shot was brilliantly saved by the LAFC goalkeeper.
Just minutes later, in the 18th minute, Noni Madueke tested veteran keeper Hugo Lloris with a low drive, which was parried away.Cole Palmer then came agonisingly close in the 21st minute, with his curling effort narrowly sailing over the crossbar.
Chelsea’s persistence eventually paid dividends in the 34th minute. A clever assist from Nicolas Jackson found Pedro Neto, who took a touch before drilling a precise shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box, giving the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead.
The second half saw LAFC emerge with renewed intent, pushing for an equalizer. Olivier Giroud came close in the 51st minute with a powerful strike that narrowly missed the left post.
Chelsea had a chance to extend their lead in the 55th minute when Pedro Neto’s header was blocked by a defender. LAFC responded almost immediately in the 57th minute, with Denis Bouanga forcing a fantastic save from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez after a brilliant cross.
As the half progressed, both sides continued to create opportunities. Cole Palmer failed to connect cleanly with a powerful shot in the 70th minute, sending it high.
LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead unleashed a thunderous strike from distance in the 72nd minute, which narrowly missed the crossbar.
The decisive blow came for Chelsea in the 80th minute. Liam Delap delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Enzo Fernandez met it perfectly and slotted it into the bottom right corner, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Blues.
Elsewhere in the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, Botafogo secured a 2-1 win over Seattle, while Palmeiras and Porto played out a goalless draw.
Sunday’s results saw Al Ahly Cairo draw 0-0 with Inter Miami, Bayern Munich thrash Auckland City 10-0, and PSG comfortably beat Atletico Madrid 3-0.
By Samson Jura
