Chelsea have become the first team to book their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, defeating Fluminense 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, as Softfootball gathered.
In a prior update, Softfootball confirmed that the Blues recently splashed the cash to secure João Pedro from Brighton, and the Brazilian justified his price tag with two brilliantly taken goals that sealed Chelsea’s place in the final.
With Fluminense eliminated, no South American team remains in the tournament, leaving three European clubs Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid in contention for the title.
According to Flashscore, Fluminense came into the clash on an 11-match unbeaten run and started strongly, going toe-to-toe with the European giants in the early exchanges. However, in the 18th minute, disaster struck for the Brazilian outfit.
A cross from Pedro Neto was only partially cleared, falling kindly to João Pedro at the edge of the box. The 22-year-old took full advantage, curling a spectacular strike past the goalkeeper to put Chelsea ahead.
The Blues pressed for a second goal and nearly got it when Malo Gusto met a cross with a firm header, but it was comfortably saved by the Fluminense shot-stopper.
Moments later, Fluminense thought they had drawn level when Hércules slipped a shot between Robert Sánchez’s legs, only for Marc Cucurella to heroically clear the ball off the line.
The drama continued when the referee pointed to the spot after Trevoh Chalobah was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box. However, VAR intervened, controversially overturning the decision, ruling that Chalobah’s arm was in a natural position.
Despite the let-off, Chelsea didn’t rest. Fluminense substitute Everaldo threatened to bring his side back into the game, causing trouble for the Blues’ defense. But Chelsea held their ground and eventually found the cushion they were looking for.
In a brilliant move, Cole Palmer showed composure under pressure in his own half, muscling off a challenge before picking out Enzo Fernández in space. The Argentine playmaker then played a perfectly weighted pass to João Pedro, who calmly fired in his second goal of the night to seal the win.
The 2-0 victory ensures Chelsea will appear in their third Club World Cup final, with a chance to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
Meanwhile, Softfootball’s earlier coverage noted that PSG and Real Madrid are set for blockbuster FIFA Club World Cup semifinal showdown at the MetLife Stadium, with a place in the FIFA Club World Cup final at stake.
Historically balanced with Madrid edging five wins to PSG’s four across 12 encounters, this rivalry remains one of football’s most unpredictable. With European pride, personal reunions, and the Club World Cup crown on the line, fans can expect nothing short of fireworks when these giants collide.
