Chelsea began their FIFA Club World Cup journey with a confident 2-0 win over Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on Monday, despite playing in front of a notably underwhelming crowd at Atlanta’s 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secured the three points in Group D, with Fernandez’s strike assisted by debutant Liam Delap, who came off the bench to make an immediate impact. The result adds momentum to Chelsea’s campaign following their UEFA Conference League victory and return to the Champions League.
Although the football on display was lively, the atmosphere was anything but. Just over 22,000 fans were present—leaving nearly 50,000 empty seats—as the 3:00 pm local kickoff on a Monday proved a major deterrent.
The game time, seemingly scheduled for European television convenience, clashed with local work hours despite Atlanta United’s usual strong support in MLS play.
Former Tottenham and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, now between the posts for LAFC, was a busy man in the first half, denying efforts from Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.
However, he couldn’t stop Neto’s opener after Jackson sliced open the defense with a well-timed through ball. Neto danced past defender Ryan Hollingshead and fired a powerful finish at the near post.
Second-half substitute and former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud entered the fray for LAFC, adding experience but little threat. Jackson continued to press for a second, and Chelsea’s defense had to stay alert as Denis Bouanga came close—only for Robert Sanchez to produce a vital leg save.
Liam Delap, signed from relegated Ipswich Town, made an immediate impression after replacing Jackson. He surged down the right flank and picked out Fernandez, who coolly controlled and converted in the six-yard box to seal the win.
While Chelsea controlled most of the play, LAFC did mount some pressure late on, including a blocked shot by Marc Cucurella. But the result was never truly in doubt.
With Chelsea now firmly on track in Group D, attention turns to the later Monday fixture between Esperance Tunis and Brazilian giants Flamengo.
What you should know
Chelsea opened their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over LAFC, thanks to goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez. New signing Liam Delap assisted the second goal on his debut.
The match, played in Atlanta’s massive Mercedes-Benz Stadium, saw a disappointingly low turnout of just over 22,000 fans, largely due to a poorly timed 3:00 pm Monday kickoff.
Despite the sparse crowd, Chelsea dominated, with Jackson, Palmer, and Delap showing promise as the team eyes deeper progress in the tournament.
