Chelsea Football Club takes the pitch for its 65th and last match of the season today. They’ll play against each other in the Club World Cup final this Sunday. That game will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Chelsea’s next opponents will come from the other semi-final between Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid. Chelsea completed their road to the final with a 2-0 win against Brazil’s Fluminense. Specifically, Joao Pedro had an incredible match, netting both goals in his first start for the club.
After the match, head coach Enzo Maresca hailed Joao Pedro’s impact as “crucial,” but added that the forthcoming final is what matters most. Chelsea’s dramatic win against Fluminense was more than anything a testament to their remarkable resolve. Combined with the emotion of such a hard-fought path in this campaign, 64 matches in five tournaments against opponents from 13 countries since last August.
Joao Pedro Shines in First Start
Joao Pedro’s sensational debut for Chelsea couldn’t have gone better. Scoring two goals in a high-pressure match, he established himself as a key player as Chelsea advanced to the final. The young forward expressed his excitement following the game.
“I think it was a dream first start. I don’t think it could have been better. Two goals, now we have to think about the final. I’m very happy.” – Joao Pedro
The brace not only booked Chelsea’s place in the final, it gave Pedro a personal milestone. Yet, even in his success, he was courteous enough to remember the respect owed to his former club.
“I’m happy to score my first goal, but also I know this tournament is very important for [Fluminense]. I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea, they pay me to score goals.” – Joao Pedro
Maresca stressed the importance of Joao Pedro’s performances to lift spirits around the club. Beyond that, he noted the impact it’s had on their mentality going into the second leg.
Chelsea’s Road to the Final
Beyond a remarkable season filled with obstacles, adversity and excellence, Chelsea has been a true inspiration. Even the semi-final against Fluminense was full of drama. Marc Cucurella was especially vital, as he prevented Robert Sanchez from conceding an equalizer with a critical line clearance.
Trevor Chalobah, who helped create Cardiff City’s winner with an unfortunate own goal, first drama in the dramatic penalty drama. Chelsea held on to win and booked their spot in the final.
Injuries marred their success. Moises Caicedo appeared to pick up a knock towards the end of the match. Even so, Maresca didn’t give up hope that Caicedo will be on Sunday’s final.
“I told him that he has to do everything to be on the pitch on Sunday so we will see.” – Maresca
Chelsea’s XI vs Fluminense | Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Nkunku and Joao Pedro. Every player’s impact was essential in making this monumental victory possible.
Final Match Stakes
The stakes can’t be any higher for Chelsea, who head into Club World Cup final. Only such a victory would crown them tournament champions. It would enable them to sport the coveted gold FIFA World Champions badge on their jerseys in the next four years, too. On top of that, victory would secure a further £29 million for the club were they to overcome Real Madrid or PSG.
As Chelsea looked back on the season, Maresca reiterated the need to keep attention on this final game.
“We know that we need to go game by game. Now it is finally the last game of the season, we can say that. And hopefully we can win the tournament.” – Maresca
Picture this — Chelsea as the plucky underdog in a historic duel against one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Fingers crossed for a dream finale to a difficult campaign, including a top-four league placement and an opportunity to hoist a trophy in the Conference League.
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