Football

Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea, FIFA Club World Cup 2025 SF: Joao Pedro Scores Twice As Blues Move To Final

Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, 8 July, to secure their place in the finals. New signing Joao Pedro was the star of the show on his full debut for the Blues, scoring twice against his former club. He opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a superb curling strike and doubled the lead just before the hour, smashing in off the crossbar after a solo run. Fluminense had a few chances, with Marc Cucurella making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Hercules, and Trevoh Chalobah was spared a penalty after a VAR review overturned a handball decision. Chelsea also had opportunities to extend their lead through Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson, but Enzo Maresca’s side held on to become the first Club World Cup finalist this year.

Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Enzo Maresca
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca celebrates with players after the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Pamela Smith

Chelsea fans celebrate at the end of the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Nicolas Jackson
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, left, and Fluminense's Ignacio challenge for the ball during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Jhon Arias
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig

Fluminense's Jhon Arias (21) and Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah (23) battle for the ball during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Fluminense goalie Fabio
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II

Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio watches as the ball sails into the net for a goal by Chelsea's Joao Pedro during the second half of a Club World Cup semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Keno
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Seth Wenig

Fluminense's Keno (11) reacts after missing a shot at goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Joao Pedro
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Pamela Smith

Chelsea's Joao Pedro (20) is congratulated by Enzo Fernandez after scoring his side's 2nd goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Enzo Fernandez
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez jumps on Joao Pedro after Pedro scored a goal against Fluminense during the second half of a Club World Cup semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Joao Pedro
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Pamela Smith

Chelsea's Joao Pedro, left, scores his side's 2nd goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Pedro Joao
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Chelsea's Pedro Joao, left, and Fluminense's Thiago Silva go for a header during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Fifa Club World Cup SF soccer match Fluminense vs Chelsea in New Jersey_Everaldo
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Semi Final: Fluminense vs Chelsea | Photo: AP/Frank Franklin II

Fluminense's Everaldo attempts a shot on goal that went high against Chelsea during the second half of a Club World Cup semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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