Chelsea Sinks Fluminense 2–0: Club World Cup Semifinal Recap
The football world witnessed an electrifying showdown as Chelsea triumphed over Fluminense with a 2–0 win in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal. The match, held at MetLife Stadium, saw João Pedro emerge as the star of the night, scoring twice against his former club.
A Heated Battle in New Jersey: Match Highlights
On July 8, 2025, Chelsea delivered a composed, tactically mature performance. The game was marked by two world-class goals from Brazilian forward João Pedro. Fluminense played with spirit, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Match Highlights:
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18th minute – João Pedro scores a long-range beauty to give Chelsea the lead.
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56th minute – Pedro bags a second, drilling it in off the crossbar.
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Fluminense’s best chance was cleared off the line by Marc Cucurella.
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VAR drama as a handball appeal was overturned.
Tactical Breakdown and Player Ratings
Chelsea’s Strengths:
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João Pedro: A dream debut with two goals.
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Cucurella: Outstanding in defense.
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Midfield: Caicedo and Enzo Fernández controlled the pace.
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Sánchez: Mixed night in goal but kept a clean sheet.
Fluminense’s Resistance:
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Goalkeeper Fábio showed experience at age 44.
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Thiago Silva organized the backline but lacked support in attack.
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Pressing style caused moments of panic for Chelsea but wasn’t sustained.
Match Stats at a Glance
| Feature | Fluminense | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 2 (João Pedro x2) |
| Shots (on target) | 9 (3) | 12 (5) |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% | 89% |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls | 11 | 10 |
Post-Match Buzz: What Everyone’s Saying
João Pedro’s Homecoming Heroics
Pedro returned to haunt his boyhood club with a double strike—yet showed class by refusing to celebrate out of respect. “A beautiful but emotional night,” he told reporters.
Enzo Maresca’s Reaction
Chelsea’s head coach called it “a clinical performance,” praising the team’s ability to “handle pressure and stay patient.”
5 Takeaways from Chelsea’s Win
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João Pedro is Chelsea’s new attacking star.
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Defense won the day—Cucurella and Sánchez stepped up.
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Chelsea’s midfield continues to dominate big games.
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Fluminense needs more firepower in the final third.
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VAR continues to be decisive in high-stakes matches.
Looking Ahead: Final Bound and Future Goals
Chelsea’s Road to the Final
The Blues now prepare for a massive final clash on July 13, where they’ll face either Real Madrid or PSG—both hungry for Club World Cup glory.
Fluminense’s Next Steps
While the journey ends in the semis, Fluminense can hold their heads high. With a blend of youth and experience, they’ll return to Brazil with pride—and plenty of lessons.
Who Will Chelsea Face in the Final?
The final at MetLife Stadium promises a European heavyweight clash. Whether it’s the star-studded PSG or Champions League kings Real Madrid, Chelsea will need to be at their absolute best.
Final Thoughts: João Pedro Shines, Chelsea March On
Chelsea’s 2–0 win over Fluminense wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about composure, class, and control. João Pedro’s breakout performance signaled the arrival of a new era for the Blues. As they march into the final, confidence is sky-high.
