Despite not playing particularly well throughout the match, Chelsea managed to rely on sheer quality to score twice and defeat Los Angeles in their Group D opener at the FIFA Club World Cup.The opening half in the clash between Chelsea and LAFC delivered an entertaining display, with the English side taking early control and creating several dangerous opportunities.Chelsea nearly broke the deadlock in the 6th minute, when Nicolas Jackson fired a well-struck shot from the center of the box. However, the Los Angeles goalkeeper came up with a superb save to deny him.In the 18th minute, Chelsea threatened again, this time through Noni Madueke. He received a precise pass and unleashed a low drive aimed at the bottom right corner, but veteran keeper Hugo Lloris was alert and managed to parry the effort.16′ Hugo Lloris coming in CLUTCH! 🧤⛔Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/X5x3zOwNrG— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025 Just three minutes later, in the 21st minute, Cole Palmer came inches away from scoring. He picked up the ball near the edge of the area and attempted a curling shot, which narrowly sailed over the crossbar.Chelsea’s persistence finally paid off in the 34th minute. Nicolas Jackson provided a clever assist to Pedro Neto, who took a touch and drilled a precise shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box to give the Blues a deserved 1–0 lead.33′ ⚽ GOAL! Pedro Neto nets the first goal for @ChelseaFC 🔥Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/DAnKWNXDGo— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025 The second half began with Los Angeles FC showing more intent, trying to claw their way back into the game. Just six minutes after the restart, in the 51st minute, Olivier Giroud came close to leveling the score with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. His shot narrowly missed the left post, much to Chelsea’s relief.In the 55th minute, Pedro Neto had a great chance to double Chelsea’s lead with a header from about 11 meters out, but a well-positioned defender managed to block the attempt, resulting in a corner for the Blues.53′ Another close call, another @LAFC clutch save! 🧱 Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/7MXNff6i11— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025 Just two minutes later, in the 57th minute, LAFC responded through Denis Bouanga. After a brilliant cross into the box, Bouanga made an excellent first touch and fired a low shot toward the left post. Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez produced a fantastic save to keep his side ahead.In the 70th minute, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer received a sharp pass and attempted a powerful shot, but he failed to make clean contact, sending the ball high over the bar.LAFC kept pushing, and in the 72nd minute, Ryan Hollingshead unleashed a thunderous strike from distance after collecting a fine pass. His shot, however, narrowly missed the crossbar.78′ GOAL! Enzo Fernandez doubles the lead with an assist from Delap: 2-0!Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/BMaRisGMdG— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025 Chelsea sealed the win in the 80th minute. Liam Delap delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Enzo Fernandez met it perfectly and slotted it into the bottom right corner, extending the lead to 2–0.FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025Matchday 1SundayAl Ahly Cairo – Inter Miami 0-0Bayern Munich – Auckland City 10-0 (6-0)/Coman 6,21, Boey 18, Olise 20, 45+3, Muller 45,89, Musiala 67, 73 pen, 84/PSG – Atletico Madrid 3-0 (2-0)/Ruiz 19, Vitinha 45+1, Mayulu 87/MondayPalmeiras – Porto 0-0Botafogo – Seattle 2-1 (2-0)/Jair 28, Igor Jesus 44 – Roldan 75/MondayChelsea – Los Angeles 2-0 (1-0)/Neto 34, Fernandez 79/
