Flamengo rally past Chelsea to secure FIFA Club World Cup knockouts spot
Flamengo stormed into the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 comeback victory over Chelsea in their Group D encounter at Lincoln Financial Field on June 20.
Pedro Neto put Chelsea in front in the 13th minute, intercepting a misplaced pass in midfield and slotting home past Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi.
Pedro Neto caught Flamengo sleeping ⚡
(via @DAZNFootball)pic.twitter.com/s7R5iJ5q5RThe Brazilian side regrouped after the break and equalised in the 62nd minute when Bruno Henrique found the net following a clever knockdown by Gonzalo Plata.
Three minutes later, Henrique turned provider, setting up Danilo from a corner to give Flamengo a 2-1 lead.
Chelsea’s hopes of recovery faded when Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 68th minute, reducing them to ten men.
Flamengo extended their advantage in the 83rd minute as Wallace Yan finished off a low cross from Plata, capping off a dominant second-half display.
The icing on the cake from Wallace Yan ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/FjMbARSCzL
The result leaves Flamengo unbeaten in the tournament and top of their group.
Chelsea must now beat ES Tunis on June 24 to remain in contention. The Tunisian side edged LAFC 1-0 in their previous match to keep their hopes alive.
Easy win against London Blue! 🐜 pic.twitter.com/PfGtQbzljC