Joao Pedro double against Fluminense takes Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup final
Chelsea secured their place in the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense, thanks to a brace from new signing Joao Pedro.
Pedro, who made his full debut for Chelsea against his boyhood club, opened the scoring in the 18th minute.
Take a bow, Joao Pedro. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/l8eQwa0noR
After a failed clearance by former Blues defender Thiago Silva, the 23-year-old curled home a precise shot from Pedro Neto’s cross.
His second goal, a powerful strike that hit the crossbar, came in the 56th minute and sealed the win for Chelsea.
João Pedro with 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 stunner 🫢
(via @DAZNFootball) pic.twitter.com/eoGnFBBKwKThe victory not only earned Chelsea a spot in Sunday’s final but also added £22m to their £60m earnings from the competition, as Pedro begins to make an impact following his £55m move from Brighton earlier in the week.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku had several opportunities to extend the lead, while at the other end, Marc Cucurella made a vital clearance off the line to deny Fluminense’s Hercules.
Fluminense were left to rue referee Francois Letexier’s decision to overturn a first-half penalty after a VAR review. The original spot-kick had been awarded for a handball by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.
How is this not a penalty to Fluminense??pic.twitter.com/LEsAMYMcPn
Despite these frustrations, Chelsea were largely in control throughout the match, with Fluminense unable to find a way past their defence.
Chelsea's progression was marred only by a late injury to midfielder Moises Caicedo, who appeared to twist his ankle in the dying moments of the game. He limped off the pitch before the final whistle, adding a potential concern to Chelsea’s night.
Chelsea will now prepare to face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, set for Sunday July 13 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Fluminense will turn their attention to domestic action, with upcoming matches against Mirassol and Cruzeiro.
Chelsea's journey to the final has already been financially rewarding, with the club set to earn over £80m, potentially rising to nearly £100m should they lift the trophy, as reported by BBC sport.
The performance of Joao Pedro, along with key contributions from Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, and Cucurella, has given Chelsea plenty to build on as they aim to secure yet another major trophy.