Chelsea got their Club World Cup campaign off to a winning start against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta but the attendance for the match was far lower than some might have wanted
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Action from Chelsea vs LAFC in Atlanta
There were a lot of empty seats for Chelsea vs LAFC in Atlanta
(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea's Club World Cup match against Los Angeles FC left organisers embarrassed with its low attendance. Television viewing figures were a little more impressive, though, with the Blues' win watched by a significant number of viewers on Channel 5.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was the setting for the group stage opener, but the 71,000-seater ground was less than half full. Just 22,127 fans were in place for the game, with ticket prices having been slashed in the lead-up.
On TV, though, there was some more interest. Terrestrial broadcaster 5 has the rights to a number of games across the tournament, with DAZN showing every fixture for free
Figures for Monday's games have now been released, with an average of 1.4million watching the Blues on 5 and an average of 283,000 taking in Boca Juniors vs Benfica. The second of those matches didn't get underway until 11pm UK time.
“Last night’s FIFA Club World Cup match was a standout moment for 5, driving big numbers including new and hard to reach younger audiences to the channel," Lee Sears, President of Paramount International Advertising Sales, said of the numbers. "It’s a clear example of how premium live sport can outperform our channel average and deliver real value to both viewers and advertisers.”
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Chelsea didn't know the identity of their first opponents until the end of May. Club Leon were kicked out of the tournament over multi-club ownership concerns, with LAFC winning a play-off to take their place.
A goal in each half was enough for Enzo Maresca's side to start with three points. Pedro Neto broke the deadlock before half-time before debutant Liam Delap played a part in Enzo Fernandez's clincher.
Liam Delap celebrating with Enzo Fernandez
Liam Delap celebrating with Enzo Fernandez(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
"The team did a really good job," Neto said after the win. "We came here and did a good job and we are really happy. I’m always focused on myself and doing my job, and I’m here to help the team."
On new signing Delap, he added: "I have trained with him a few times, and he’s a guy who is in the team to help and we’re really delighted he’s here with us. He has shown the character he has."
Chelsea's next Club World Cup match comes on Friday, with Flamengo their opponents in Philadelphia. The Brazilian side also began with a 2-0 win, with Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo on target as they beat Tunisian side Esperance.
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