Joao Pedro’s Brilliance Sends Chelsea to Club World Cup 2025 Final with 2-0 Win Over Fluminense
Chelsea have booked their place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after defeating Fluminense 2-0 at MetLife Stadium. The standout performance came from Joao Pedro, whose double against his former side ensured Chelsea remain on track to lift their second global title. This victory also marks the end of South American participation in this year’s tournament.
Fluminense Entered in Fine Form
Heading into the semi-final, Fluminense were riding high on an 11-match unbeaten streak and showed no signs of backing down against the Premier League giants. The Brazilian outfit, known for their fluid style and attacking mentality, made it clear they wouldn’t be an easy opponent.
Chelsea, under new head coach Enzo Maresca, started the match with a clear attacking intent. Early efforts from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández hinted at the pressure the Blues planned to apply. However, Fluminense’s well-organized backline held strong in the opening phases, frustrating Chelsea’s attempts to gain an early lead.
Joao Pedro Breaks the Deadlock
Despite Fluminense’s solid defensive showing, they couldn’t hold off Chelsea for long. In the 18th minute, a decisive moment changed the tone of the game. A cross from Pedro Neto on the left flank was only partially cleared, falling perfectly for Joao Pedro just outside the penalty box. Making his full debut for Chelsea, Joao Pedro—ironically a former Fluminense player—curled a sublime shot past goalkeeper Fábio, giving the Blues a 1-0 advantage.
It was a goal of exceptional quality and perfect placement, highlighting why Chelsea were keen to invest in the young Brazilian talent. The goal also seemed to ignite Chelsea’s confidence, as they pushed further for a second to cement their control.
🚀🤯Joao Pedro's first goal for Chelsea was an absolute SCREAMER vs against Fluminense his former club.#FIFAClubWorldCup|#FIFACWCpic.twitter.com/mRYJzprARU
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) July 8, 2025
Fluminense Almost Responds
Chelsea nearly doubled their lead when Malo Gusto rose highest to meet a cross with a powerful header, only for the ball to drift wide. Fluminense, however, refused to go quietly. Their best chance of the half came through Hércules, who surged into the box and slipped the ball past Robert Sánchez. The Brazilian fans in the stadium were already celebrating, but Cucurella made a miraculous goal-line clearance to keep Chelsea in front.
Controversy struck shortly after when a Fluminense free-kick into the area appeared to hit Trevor Chalobah’s arm. Referee François Letexier initially pointed to the spot, awarding Fluminense a penalty. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, with the official ruling Chalobah’s arm was in a natural position.
Before halftime, Chelsea saw two more chances fall to Neto and Christopher Nkunku, but they couldn’t find the breakthrough as the score remained 1-0 at the interval.
Second Half – Chelsea Seal the Deal
Resuming play in the second half, Chelsea showed no signs of slowing down. Midfield dynamo Moisés Caicedo and fullback Cucurella each tested Fluminense’s defence with ambitious long-range shots. Meanwhile, Renato Gaúcho’s side looked for opportunities on the counterattack, with substitute Everaldo forcing a decent save from Sánchez.
But Fluminense’s aggressive forward push left them vulnerable at the back—and Chelsea capitalized in the 55th minute. Starting deep in his own half, Cole Palmer skillfully shrugged off multiple defenders before feeding the ball to Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder quickly released Joao Pedro, who showed brilliant footwork and composure as he cut inside and blasted his second goal off the underside of the crossbar.
The dazzling finish all but confirmed Chelsea’s passage into the Club World Cup 2025 final and capped a dream full debut for Joao Pedro in blue. It was a poetic moment, with the former Fluminense man delivering the final blow to his old club.
56' JOÃO PEDRO HAS DONE IT AGAIN! ⚽️⚽️
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025
A brace in his first @ChelseaFC start, two absolute bangers. The Brazilian wonderkid is making serious noise. 💫🇧🇷
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLUCHE pic.twitter.com/ornUPa0dUe
Fluminense’s Late Attempts Fall Short
Though Fluminense had scored half of their goals in this tournament during the final 20 minutes of matches, they failed to create enough clear chances to test Chelsea’s defense in the dying stages. A speculative long-range effort by Lima in the 71st minute was about as close as they came.
Chelsea, on the other hand, continued to create chances. Substitute Nicolas Jackson squandered two golden opportunities to extend the lead further. Despite the missed chances, Chelsea maintained their structure and discipline to see out the game comfortably.
Fluminense’s magical Club World Cup run comes to an end 💔
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 8, 2025
The last South American side bows out after a brilliant showing 🇧🇷✨ pic.twitter.com/NmZ1wOTsES
Chelsea March Into Another Club World Cup Final
This result sees Chelsea reach their second FIFA Club World Cup final, with a mouthwatering clash against Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon. For South America, it’s a second consecutive Club World Cup semi-final loss to English opposition—highlighting the growing dominance of European clubs in the competition.
Chelsea’s tactical discipline under Maresca, paired with individual brilliance—especially from Joao Pedro—has made them clear contenders for the title. Their performance was efficient, clinical, and composed, a reflection of the work Maresca has done since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro the Undisputed Hero
The star of the night, without question, was Joao Pedro. Not only did he score both goals, but his overall movement, link-up play, and confidence on the ball displayed maturity well beyond his years. His second goal—ripping a shot in off the crossbar—was a moment of pure class.
For a player making his first full start, and against his former club, the occasion could have been overwhelming. Instead, Joao Pedro thrived, cementing his name into Chelsea folklore and possibly earning himself a regular spot in the starting XI.
True respect from João Pedro, holding back the celebration against his beloved @FluminenseFC 💚❤️
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 8, 2025
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUu4lJ | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLUCHE pic.twitter.com/i8l9idg8BH
What’s Next for Chelsea and Fluminense?
Chelsea now turn their attention to the Club World Cup 2025 final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Real Madrid and PSG. The Premier League giants will look to secure their second global crown after winning the title in 2021.
Fluminense, meanwhile, head home after another disappointing exit at the hands of an English team. Though they can take pride in their journey to the last four, questions will linger about their inability to convert chances in crucial moments.
Key Match Stats
- Goals: Joao Pedro (18’, 55’)
- Man of the Match: Joao Pedro
- Shots on Target: Chelsea 6 – 3 Fluminense
- Possession: Chelsea 57% – 43% Fluminense
- Pass Accuracy: Chelsea 89% – 84% Fluminense
- Fouls: Chelsea 10 – 12 Fluminense
- Yellow Cards: Chelsea 1 – 2 Fluminense
Conclusion
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the Club World Cup 2025 semi-final was defined by tactical control and individual brilliance. With Joao Pedro announcing himself on the world stage, Chelsea now have momentum and belief as they prepare to take on either Real Madrid or PSG in what promises to be a thrilling final.
Stay tuned for more coverage and analysis as Chelsea chase international glory.
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