Chelsea have booked their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup final after seeing off Fluminense 2-0 at MetLife Stadium — and it was their new man João Pedro who lit up the night with a dream first start for the Blues.
The Premier League giants now wait for Real Madrid or PSG in their hunt for a second global crown, Footballrover reports.
João Pedro Shines as the Blues Push Past Fluminense
On an 11-match unbeaten run, Fluminense refused to fold early. Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández tested their defence but found no way through.
That changed when a Pedro Neto cross was cleared to João Pedro, who curled in a beauty past Fábio, punishing his former club.
Malo Gusto nearly doubled the lead for the West London side, but Fluminense almost bit back when Hércules nutmegged Robert Sánchez — only for Cucurella to clear off the line.
Drama followed as a penalty shout for handball against Chalobah was overturned after VAR judged his arm was in a natural position.
The Premier League side pushed again but went in at half-time with a slim lead.
Blues Seal Final Spot with Counter Blow in Club World Cup
After the break, Fluminense threatened on the counter while the Enzo Maresca side looked for the killer goal. It came from a swift break: Cole Palmer held off defenders, Fernández pushed the play wide, and Pedro fired home off the crossbar.
Fluminense tried to pull one back through Lima’s long shot but never truly troubled Sánchez again.
Nicolas Jackson missed two late chances, yet Conference League champions work was done.
Another South American side bows out — and Chelsea have a golden shot at a Club World Cup trophy against European giants.
Chelsea have now pocketed nearly £80 million from their run in the FIFA Club World Cup, having secured a spot in the final.
Enzo Maresca deserves huge credit for guiding the club back to the Champions League, lifting the Conference League trophy, and overseeing an impressive Club World Cup campaign so far.
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