Chelsea’s £55 million signing, João Pedro scored twice against his former club Fluminense on Wednesday night, sealing a 2‑0 semi‑final victory that sends the Blues into Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint‑Germain.
The 23‑year‑old Brazilian, who joined from Brighton only six days ago, was handed a first start by head coach Enzo Maresca with striker Liam Delap suspended.
João Pedro repaid that faith, becoming the first Chelsea player since 2016 to score a brace on his competitive debut.
-
18′ — 1‑0: João Pedro collected a loose ball 25 metres out and rifled an unstoppable drive beyond goalkeeper Fábio.
-
66′ — 2‑0: Cutting in from the left, the forward ignored passing options and lashed a rising shot into the roof of the net.
With victory guaranteeing at least £25 million in prize money, Chelsea have already recouped nearly half of João Pedro’s transfer outlay.
Tactical Shift Pays Off
Fluminense, missing influential midfielder Matheus Martinelli, attempted to sit deep and frustrate, yet were forced out when João Pedro’s early strike “uncorked the game”.
Chelsea dominated possession (61%) and out‑shot the Brazilians 15‑6.
Attacking midfielder Cole Palmer repeatedly dropped alongside Moisés Caicedo to dictate tempo, allowing Enzo Fernández to push forward.
The ploy kept Palmer on the ball without sacrificing Chelsea’s width.
Brazilian Clubs Impress Despite Exit
Fluminense’s run ends South American interest, but Brazil’s contingent can claim success:
All four Brazilian entrants reached the knock‑outs, underlining the strength of Série A after the domestic league paused for the tournament.
Thiago Silva Shows Class in Defeat
At 40, Fluminense captain Thiago Silva struggled with Chelsea’s pace, often retreating into a sweeper role.
Yet his 74th‑minute goal‑line clearance from Christopher Nkunku illustrated trademark anticipation.
Is João Pedro Maresca’s ‘Missing Link’?
João Pedro’s immediate impact gives Maresca a flexible front line:
-
Pedro/Jackson at centre‑forward
-
Palmer in a roaming creative role
-
Jackson/Estevão able to rotate wide
The Italian coach must now manage those options in Sunday’s showpiece at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The Club World Cup Final will hold on Sunday (20:00 BST) but for now, the second finalists will be confirmed on Wednesday (tonight) between La Liga giants, Real Madrid and Champions League champions, PSG.
Victory would hand Todd Boehly’s Chelsea a first Club World Cup title since 2021 and probably justify the club’s latest nine‑figure transfer outlay.
