AFCON 2025
Chelsea started their FIFA World Club Cup campaign on positive note after seeing off Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in a comfortable win.
The Blues came into the competition after winning the UEFA Conference League and sealing qualification for the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca’s men started on a positive note Noni Madueke forced a save off former Tottenham Hotspur’s goalie Hugo Lloris.
Portuguese winger Pedro Neto put the Blues ahead 10 minutes before with a composed finish in the box after receiving a sublime pass from Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea went into the break with the slim lead after as they dominated possession in a seemingly one-sided affair at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
However, LAFC came close to getting back into the match minutes into the second half. Robert Sanchez reacted quickly to save Denis Bouanga’s goal-bound shot from the box.
Former Chelsea striker, Olivier Giroud was in action for LAFC on the night but was kept at bay as his side struggled to go past the Conference League champions.
Debutant, Liam Delap came on in the second half and made an impact on his first appearance for the Blues.
The former Ipswich Town striker provided the assist for Enzo Fernande as the Argentine midfieldwr doubled Chelsea’s lead 10 minutes before the end of regulation time.
Chelsea top Group D with three points and a clean sheet as they look to go far in the tournament.
