Fluminense vs. Chelsea: Club World Cup Semi-Final Match Report
On July 8, 2025, Chelsea FC secured a 2-0 victory over Fluminense FC in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The match, attended by 70,566 fans, showcased Chelsea’s dominance and marked a significant moment for their new signing, João Pedro, who scored both goals against his boyhood club.
Match Overview
Chelsea, under the management of Enzo Maresca, faced a resilient Fluminense side led by former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva.
The Premier League team, despite being considered the "fourth-best side" in their domestic league, demonstrated tactical superiority and clinical finishing to advance to the Club World Cup final.
Fluminense, a Brazilian outfit running on limited financial resources, had defied expectations by reaching the semi-finals, having previously defeated European giants like Inter Milan.
The match was played in challenging, humid conditions, with fans enduring intense heat to support their teams.
Fluminense’s passionate supporters filled one end of the stadium, waving flags and singing throughout, while Chelsea’s fans dominated numerically, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Key Moments
First Half: Chelsea Take Control
Chelsea asserted early dominance, harassing Fluminense’s defenders and winning second balls in midfield.
In the 18th minute, João Pedro, who had joined Chelsea just six days prior from Brighton, opened the scoring.
A clearance from Thiago Silva fell to Pedro 20 yards out, and the Brazilian striker curled a stunning right-footed shot past Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper, Fabio.
Out of respect for his former club, Pedro refrained from celebrating, raising his hands to acknowledge Fluminense’s fans.
Fluminense responded with a brief period of resistance. In the 26th minute, midfielder Hércules nearly equalized, but Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella made a crucial goal-line clearance after goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was beaten.
Ten minutes later, a controversial moment arose when Fluminense was awarded a penalty for a Trevoh Chalobah handball.
However, VAR overturned the decision, sparing Chelsea and frustrating Fluminense’s players and fans.
Second Half: Pedro Seals the Victory
Chelsea continued their dominance after the break. Fluminense made a double substitution, introducing Everaldo and Keno, which shifted their formation from a back five to a back four.
Despite an immediate chance for Everaldo, whose low shot tested Sánchez, Chelsea maintained control.
In the 56th minute, João Pedro struck again, scoring another spectacular goal to make it 2-0. His performance earned him the official man-of-the-match award.
Fluminense fought until the end, with substitute Everaldo attempting a wild overhead kick in the final moments, but it sailed over the bar.
Chelsea, however, suffered a setback when Moises Caicedo limped off with a concerning ankle injury, leaving the Blues with ten men for the closing stages.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed hope that Caicedo would recover for the final.
Standout Performances
João Pedro (Chelsea): The Brazilian striker, making his first start for Chelsea, scored two breathtaking goals, showcasing his talent and professionalism. His muted celebrations reflected his gratitude toward Fluminense, where he spent eight years in their youth academy.
Pedro Neto (Chelsea): The winger was a constant threat on the left, assisting Pedro’s first goal and earning praise as a potential tournament standout.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): His goal-line clearance and overall defensive solidity were pivotal in maintaining Chelsea’s lead.
Thiago Silva (Fluminense): The 40-year-old captain, a former Chelsea star, led his team with heart but was partly at fault for Pedro’s first goal.
Hércules (Fluminense): The midfielder posed a threat, nearly scoring and creating chances, but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Tactical Insights
Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to control possession and exploit Fluminense’s defense with quick transitions.
Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo anchored the midfield, while Cole Palmer dazzled with skillful play, including a series of tricks that bewildered Fluminense’s defenders.
Fluminense’s switch to a back four in the second half created brief opportunities but failed to shift the momentum.
Chelsea’s adaptability, as noted by Maresca, was key to their victory.
Post-Match Reactions
João Pedro expressed mixed emotions after the match, saying, “I’m very grateful for everything Fluminense has done for me, but I have to be professional.
I feel sorry for them, but I have to do my job.” He dedicated his performance to his new club while acknowledging the role Fluminense played in his development.
Enzo Maresca praised his team’s mentality, stating, “We started one way, they changed a little bit, so we adjusted immediately.
I’m proud and happy.”
He also highlighted concerns about Caicedo’s injury ahead of the final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
What’s Next?
Chelsea advance to the Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Fluminense, eliminated as the last non-European team in the tournament, will return to their domestic season with matches against Mirassol and Cruzeiro.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s 2-0 win was a testament to their growing cohesion under Maresca and the immediate impact of João Pedro.
Fluminense, despite the loss, exited the tournament with their heads held high, having defied expectations with their spirited run.
The match was a celebration of football’s global reach, with both sets of fans creating an electric atmosphere in New Jersey.