Chelsea embarked on their Club World Cup journey with a convincing 2-0 victory against Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in their opening Group D match. The match, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, saw goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secure the win for the Blues. Despite the positive result, the game was played in front of a disappointingly sparse crowd, with nearly 50,000 seats remaining empty in the 71,000-capacity stadium. New signing Liam Delap made his debut for Chelsea, coming off the bench and playing a crucial role in setting up Fernandez’s goal. The victory marked a strong start to Chelsea’s campaign, as they aim to build on their recent UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification, signifying their intent to reclaim their position among football’s elite.
The low attendance figure of just over 22,000 was a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to MLS side Atlanta United, renowned for their strong fan base. While the closed roof provided respite from the Georgia heat and humidity, the 3:00 pm local time kick-off on a Monday likely deterred many local fans from attending. This scheduling decision appeared to prioritize a British television audience, potentially overlooking the local fanbase. A small but dedicated group of LAFC “ultras” attempted to inject some energy into the stadium with their drumming and chants, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the vast emptiness of the venue.
LAFC’s participation in the Club World Cup came after they replaced the banned Mexican side Club Leon, having qualified for the tournament as late as May after a play-off victory against Club America. This late entry, along with the fact that none of their group stage games were scheduled to be played in their home state of California, likely contributed to the low turnout of LAFC supporters. The stadium’s upper tier remained entirely closed, and even the open sections were sparsely populated, despite ticket prices being lowered in the days leading up to the match. Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s goalkeeper and former Tottenham Hotspur player, had acknowledged the difficulty of facing Chelsea, predicting before the game that his team’s chances were “really thin.” His assessment proved prescient, as he was called upon several times to prevent Chelsea from extending their lead.
Chelsea dominated the game from the outset, creating several scoring opportunities early on. Lloris was forced into action to deny both Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer narrowly missed the target with a powerful shot. Jackson, eager to solidify his place in the starting lineup, proved instrumental in Chelsea’s opening goal. His incisive through ball found Neto, who skillfully cut inside, leaving LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead trailing, before firing a low shot past Lloris into the near post. This early goal set the tone for the match, highlighting Chelsea’s attacking prowess and their determination to control the game.
In the second half, LAFC made changes, bringing on veteran striker Olivier Giroud, hoping to bolster their attack. While LAFC showed some signs of life, with Denis Bouanga, the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner, forcing a good save from Robert Sanchez, Chelsea’s defense remained resolute. Just after the hour mark, Chelsea manager Roberto De Zerbi introduced Delap, the young striker signed from Ipswich Town. Delap made an immediate impact, driving forward and creating a chance for Fernandez, showcasing his potential and intent to contribute to the team. While Palmer continued to threaten LAFC’s goal, it was Fernandez who ultimately sealed the victory for Chelsea. Receiving a cross from Delap on the right, Fernandez expertly controlled the ball inside the six-yard box and slotted it past Lloris to double Chelsea’s lead.
Chelsea’s comfortable victory against LAFC demonstrated their strength and intent in the Club World Cup. Despite the subdued atmosphere due to the low attendance, the Blues delivered a commanding performance. The introduction and immediate impact of Delap offered further encouragement for Chelsea fans, highlighting the depth and potential within the squad. Chelsea’s focus now shifts to their remaining group stage matches, as they aim to progress further in the tournament and assert their status as a global footballing force. The other Group D match between Esperance Tunis and Flamengo would determine the final standings and Chelsea’s next opponent. The victory against LAFC served as a solid foundation for Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, suggesting that they are well-equipped to compete for the title.
