Pedro Neto’s dazzling run and finish and Enzo Fernandez’s composed close-range strike gave Chelsea victory over a dangerous Los Angeles FC side and victory in their first game of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Winger Neto produced a beautiful Cruyff turn before firing in the 34th-minute opener in Atlanta, where the Premier League team dominated the first half.
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After Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s reflex save denied Denis Bounga an equaliser after the break, Chelsea newcomer Liam Delap crossed for fellow substitute Fernandez to convert with 11 minutes remaining.
Chelsea are next in action against Brazilian league leaders Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday (19:00 BST), with LAFC facing Tunisian team Esperance on the same evening (23:00).
Neto’s GOLAZO deserves a look from all angles! 🔥➡️
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every game. Free. | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/PLelC5vSUz
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
There was an occasionally acrimonious edge to proceedings in the Group D opener for both sides, including an altercation involving numerous players at half-time.
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud – a Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup winner at Stamford Bridge – came on at half-time for Jeremy Ebobisse, while Reece James made way for Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia was replaced by Enzo Fernandez in the opposition half.
David Martinez, who had supplanted forward Nathan Ordaz in the 38th minute over a concussion concern, threatened twice early in the second half, showing his intent most impressively when the 19-year-old shifted past Marc Cucurella inside the box, only to fire well wide.
Nicolas Jackson had a header cleared off the line before Denis Bounga, who won the MLS Golden Boot with LAFC in 2023 and has eight goals and five assists in the league in 2025, went closest to an equaliser.
Gabon international Bounga bypassed Neto and drlled in a low shot from an angle that was alertly turned away by Robert Sanchez with the goalkeeper’s right foot at his near post.
78′ GOAL! Enzo Fernandez doubles the lead with an assist from Delap: 2-0!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/BMaRisGMdG
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025
Liam Delap: Debut assist for Chelsea signing
New £30 million signing Delap came on shortly afterwards for Jackson, and the striker made the final 10 minutes less nervy for his side by scampering on to Cole Palmer’s pass and whipping in a cross from the right that was slotted in by Fernandez after the Argentina midfielder showed composure to take a touch in front of goal.
Fernandez, who produced a goal and assist in Chelsea’s Conference League final win over Real Betis in their previous game, now has eight direct goal involvements in his last nine appearances in all competitions.
Neto almost scored with the final kick of the game, cutting inside from the left and fizzing a shot from outside the box against the crossbar and over.
