Philadelphia: Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory against Los Angeles FC in a largely empty stadium on Monday as Brazilian giants Flamengo also got off to a winning start and a Benfica comeback denied Boca Juniors in a stormy encounter.
As the inaugural 32-team tournament gradually kicks into gear in the United States, Chelsea followed fellow European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich by claiming three points in their first group outing.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca labelled the atmosphere “strange” with nearly 50,000 empty seats.
The Uefa Conference League winners defeated Los Angeles FC 2-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with only 22,000 fans present at the 71,000-capacity arena.
“The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full,” Maresca told reporters.
“We are professional, we have to adapt to the situation, to the environment ...
“It’s important the behaviour of the players, the attitude, and once again they showed how professional they are.”
The Chelsea coach said his team had expected a larger crowd, but were hopeful they would get that in their second game against Flamengo of Brazil in Philadelphia.
“We prepared this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different, but no doubt that the next one will be a nice one, because we know that the Brazilian teams, they always bring many, many fans,” he added.
Over 60,000 spectators attended the opening match between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Al Ahly on Saturday, while 80,000 were present at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday for the clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris-Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid.
Plenty of Boca Juniors fans created a raucous atmosphere later on Monday for their match against Benfica at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
With Chelsea playing at 3pm local time on a working Monday, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was under a third full.
MLS side Atlanta United average nearly 45,000 fans at their matches and are the best supported US team.
“PSG against Atletico, in front of a big crowd at the Rose Bowl ... so I don’t know if there’s just more fans in Los Angeles who are into this tournament than here, or if it’s the pairing tonight,” said LA coach Steve Cherundolo.
However the American said it was too early to judge FIFA’s new expanded competition on the basis of just one match.
“Regarding crowds I think it’s kind of different each game you look at, so I don’t think we should be talking about this right now,” he added.
“I think we should wait until the end of the tournament ...(to make) an opinion about it as a whole, as opposed to one game.”
Chelsea’s next game will be against Flamengo, who began their campaign by easing to a 2-0 win against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia.
Uruguayan international Giorgian de Arrascaeta gave the Brazilian giants a 17th-minute lead from an assist by Luiz Araujo, who made it 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining.
It was a dominant display from Flamengo, who fielded a strong side featuring several Brazil internationals and gave a debut to Italy midfielder Jorginho following his arrival from Arsenal.
Jorginho will face former club Chelsea when the teams meet in their second match on Friday. Flamengo coach Filipe Luis is also an ex-player at Stamford Bridge.
There were vast sections of empty seats at Lincoln Financial Field too, with just 25,797 fans in a stadium that can hold close to 70,000.
In contrast, there was close to a full house, and a raucous atmosphere, in Miami as Boca and Benfica played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Group C.
The majority of the crowd was backing Boca and the Argentines roared into a two-goal lead, Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia both scoring in the first half.
Two-time European champions Benfica were given a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Boca’s Carlos Palacios mistimed a challenge on Nicolas Otamendi and after a VAR review — which included a red card for protesting from the already substituted Boca midfield Ander Herrera — a penalty was awarded.
Veteran Angel di Maria converted from the spot to make it 2-1, but Benfica then had Andrea Belotti sent off in the 71st minute after a wild, high-footed kick into the head of Ayrton Costa.
But with six minutes remaining the Portuguese side equalised as Otamendi headed in to make it 2-2.
A disappointing result for Boca was compounded by a late red card for Nicolas Figal, who was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Florentino Luis.
“We’re left with a bitter taste because we thought we could have won it,” said Boca’s Battaglia.
Tuesday’s action begins with Borussia Dortmund taking on Fluminense of Brazil in New York in Group F, while Inter Milan face Monterrey of Mexico in Pasadena in Group E.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox