Chelsea secured a composed 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their Club World Cup opener at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Nicolas Jackson playing a pivotal role in setting the tone for the Blues’ campaign.
Facing a determined LAFC side, Enzo Maresca’s team maintained discipline and composure throughout a tightly contested encounter, gradually asserting control as the match progressed.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, when Jackson’s pinpoint pass unlocked the American defence and allowed Pedro Neto to calmly slot home the opener.
The goal shifted momentum decisively in Chelsea’s favour, although the MLS outfit refused to back down.
LAFC maintained pressure and came close to an equaliser, only to be denied by the Premier League side’s solid defensive setup and sharp goalkeeping.
🔥 | Wow ! Quel but de Pedro Neto qui ouvre le score face au Los Angeles FC ! 👀🤩 #FIFACWC #CHELAFC #Chelsea #LAFC
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— DAZN France (@DAZN_FR) June 16, 2025
Chelsea continued to probe for a second, and their efforts were rewarded late in the game.
With just over ten minutes remaining, Liam Delap—one of the club’s recent acquisitions—delivered a measured assist to Enzo Fernandez, who made no mistake in doubling the lead in the 79th minute and effectively sealing the result.
“We needed to be solid and sharp tonight,” said Fernandez. “They’re a good team, and we knew we had to stay patient and take our chances when they came.”
Nicolas Jackson, whose performance in midfield dictated much of Chelsea’s tempo, was instrumental not only in the build-up to the first goal but also in maintaining composure during LAFC’s brief surges.
His vision and energy were central to Chelsea’s tactical execution on the night.
“I just wanted to help the team however I could,” Jackson said after the match. “It’s always good to start a tournament like this with a win.”
Chelsea now turn their focus to Flamengo, who await in their second group-stage encounter scheduled for Friday at 18:00 GMT.
Off to a great start. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/l4t0MhLMle
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2025
The Brazilian side is expected to pose a different set of challenges, but the Blues will take confidence from a clinical performance that blended attacking precision with disciplined defending.
Maresca’s men have set an early marker in the competition, and with players like Jackson and Fernandez hitting stride, Chelsea will look to build on this momentum as they push for their first Club World Cup title under the Italian manager’s tenure.
