Club World Cup: Chelsea prevails over Los Angeles

World 17 June 2025 at 04:58

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Chelsea kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC, in a match where experience proved decisive. In this transatlantic clash, it was Europe that asserted its authority.

The Blues didn’t need to dominate the game to claim the win. They relied on their clinical finishing against a spirited California side. From the opening minutes, Chelsea looked dangerous. Jackson, Palmer, Madueke—all tried their luck. But Hugo Lloris, in outstanding form, kept the Londoners at bay for a long spell. It wasn’t until the 34th minute that Pedro Neto broke the deadlock. Well set up by Jackson, the former Wolverhampton winger calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.

In the second half, Los Angeles came out with renewed intent. Giroud came close to equalizing, as did Bouanga, but Robert Sanchez stood firm. The Blues had several chances to kill off the match earlier, but lacked precision in the final third. Ultimately, Enzo Fernandez sealed the result in the 80th minute, finishing off a perfect cross from Liam Delap.

It wasn’t dazzling football, but it was a controlled, professional win. Chelsea takes three crucial points for the next stage of the competition. As for LAFC, they’ll need to be more clinical if they hope to qualify.