Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC in Group D, though the atmosphere at Atlanta’s 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium was notably underwhelming due to low turnout.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory for the Blues in what was a competitive encounter, despite just over 22,000 fans showing up leaving nearly 50,000 empty seats. The disappointing attendance was likely due to the 3:00 pm local kickoff on a Monday, which clashed with work hours for most locals and appeared more tailored to UK television schedules.
Fresh off their UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification, Chelsea are aiming to make a strong statement in the tournament. The London side controlled much of the game, with Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s high-profile goalkeeper, called into action several times to deny Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Cole Palmer in the opening stages.
Jackson’s persistence paid off as he set up Neto’s opener with a slick through ball. Neto coolly outmaneuvered defender Ryan Hollingshead before firing a low shot past Lloris at the near post.
LAFC, who qualified late for the tournament after replacing banned Mexican side Club Leon, struggled to match Chelsea’s intensity. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud was introduced at halftime for LAFC in hopes of sparking a comeback, while 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga nearly equalized, only to be denied by a sharp save from Robert Sanchez.
Enzo Maresca’s side handed a debut to 22-year-old forward Liam Delap in the second half. Delap wasted no time making an impact, creating space down the right flank before delivering a low cross that Fernandez finished calmly to double Chelsea’s lead.
Despite LAFC’s late pressure with efforts from David Martinez and Bouanga Chelsea’s defense held firm. The victory gives them a strong start in Group D as they set their sights on progressing deep into the competition.
Elsewhere in the group, Tunisian champions Esperance were set to face Brazil’s Flamengo later in the evening.
