Chelsea kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a confident 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC on Monday, June 16, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández secured all three points for the Premier League side in their Group D opener.
The London club asserted control early and opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Pedro Neto, slipping into the box from the right after a smart through ball from Nicolas Jackson, produced a moment of class. The Portuguese winger halted abruptly, sending defender Ryan Hollingshead sliding past, then cut back inside and fired a sharp left-footed shot past Hugo Lloris at the near post.
Despite a more assertive second-half showing from LAFC—who earned their place in the tournament via a May play-in match—the California side failed to make their pressure count. Chelsea’s back line held firm, repelling late threats from an LAFC squad boosted by the introduction of veteran striker Olivier Giroud at halftime.
The Blues sealed the result in the 80th minute when substitute Liam Delap delivered a perfect cross from the right. Enzo Fernández met it in the box, controlling with his first touch before calmly slotting home past Lloris to double Chelsea’s lead. The goal was a just reward for Chelsea’s dominance in possession and attacking precision.
Chelsea registered 17 shots in total, with six on target and five coming from inside the box. Cole Palmer was active but couldn’t find the net, notably skying a good chance over the bar in the second half.
Chelsea’s next challenge comes on Friday when they face Flamengo, who also secured a 2-0 win over Esperance de Tunis in their opening match. That encounter is expected to decide the Group D winner, as both sides now sit atop the table with three points each.
As for LAFC, the MLS side will look to regroup ahead of their clash with Esperance, knowing that anything less than a win could end their hopes of advancing.