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Travel issues delay Real Madrid’s arrival in New York by over four hours
Chelsea are the first team through to the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. At MetLife Stadium in New York, Enzo Maresca’s men defeated Fluminense 2-0 thanks to a brace from Joao Pedro, the undisputed star of the night. The Brazilian striker, a former Fluminense player, sealed the match with two quality goals, proving to be a shrewd investment for the Blues. Chelsea now await the winner of the second semifinal between Real Madrid and PSG.
The Match
In the sweltering heat of New Jersey, Chelsea had to weather an early storm as Fluminense came out with high energy and intense pressing that troubled the English side in the opening minutes. The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute, when Joao Pedro — a product of Fluminense’s youth system — pounced on a loose ball and rifled a right-footed shot under the crossbar to make it 1-0.
Fluminense nearly equalized through Hercules, but Cucurella’s goal-line clearance preserved the lead. Soon after, referee François Letexier initially awarded a penalty for a Chalobah handball, but reversed the decision after an on-field review.
Chelsea fully took control in the second half. In the 56th minute, Joao Pedro struck again — this time after a ball recovered by Palmer, with Enzo Fernandez launching the Brazilian into space. Another fierce right-footed finish under the crossbar completed his brace and all but sealed the result. Chelsea had chances to extend the lead further through Nkunku and Nico Jackson, but the scoreline remained 2-0.
The Lucrative Return of the Club World Cup
With last night’s victory, Chelsea not only booked their place in the final but also secured more than $104 million in total earnings, a figure that could rise even higher with a tournament win. The haul includes participation bonuses, performance-related rewards, and the prize for reaching the final. Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton for around €70 million, has already justified his price tag with three goals in the competition — including two against his former club.
Head coach Enzo Maresca expressed his satisfaction in his post-match interview with DAZN:
“It’s been an incredible season, and now we’re in the Club World Cup Final. Joao Pedro? We knew his quality and what he could bring. We’re happy — but we want more. Real or PSG? Two great teams, but so are we. We’ll go out there to win.”
Match Summary: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
Scorers: 17’ Joao Pedro (C), 56’ Joao Pedro (C)
Booked: 59’ Nonato (F), 72’ Soteldo (F), 73’ Sanchez (C)
Fluminense (3-5-2): Fabio; Ignacio, Thiago Silva (c), Thiago Santos (Keno); Guga, Hercules (70’ Canobbio), Bernal (69’ Lima), Nonato (66’ Soteldo), Rene; Arias, Cano (53’ Everaldo).
Coach: Renato Portaluppi
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto (68’ James), Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c); Pedro Neto (68’ Madueke), Nkunku, Palmer; Joao Pedro (60’ Nico Jackson).
Coach: Enzo Maresca
Referee: François Letexier (France)
The Other Semifinal and Real Madrid’s Travel Woes
Tonight in New York, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain face off in the second semifinal. But the Spanish side’s journey to the match has been anything but smooth. Due to severe weather, Madrid’s flight from Palm Beach was delayed and eventually landed in Newark more than four hours behind schedule. The plane was forced to circle above Washington and Allentown before receiving landing clearance.
As a result, all pre-match press conferences were canceled — including that of new manager Xabi Alonso — disrupting the team’s preparation ahead of their clash with a red-hot PSG side that recently claimed the Champions League title.
Chelsea are watching closely. The final spot is still up for grabs.
🔜 Club World Cup 2025 – Semifinals
Date & Time (ITA) | Fixture
Tuesday, July 8 – 21:00 | Fluminense vs Chelsea 0-2
Wednesday, July 9 – 21:00 | PSG vs Real Madrid
