Joao Pedro Scores Stunning Brace as Chelsea Beat Fluminense 2-0 to Reach Club World Cup Final
By Okafor Joseph Afam | Published July 9, 2025
Joao Pedro Shines Against Former Club Fluminense to Fire Chelsea Into Club World Cup Final
Joao Pedro marked his full debut for Chelsea with a spectacular brace against his former club Fluminense, sealing a commanding 2-0 victory in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old Brazilian forward, recently signed for £60 million, opened the scoring in the first half with a curling strike into the top corner before smashing home a second goal off the crossbar in the 56th minute to confirm Chelsea’s place in the final. The Blues will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in what promises to be a thrilling title clash.
Chelsea vs Fluminense: Match Highlights
Chelsea took control early in the match at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, with Pedro punishing his boyhood club just 24 minutes in. After a Fluminense clearance fell kindly to him at the edge of the box, the former Watford man curled a beauty past goalkeeper Fabio, refusing to celebrate out of respect.
Fluminense rallied and nearly equalized before halftime, but Marc Cucurella made a crucial clearance off the line to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
The second half began with Chelsea asserting dominance once again. In the 56th minute, Enzo Fernandez set Pedro up with space inside the box. The Brazilian cut inside and launched a rocket shot off the underside of the bar to double Chelsea’s lead.
Joao Pedro Named Man of the Match
Pedro’s dynamic performance — including two goals, constant movement, and link-up play — earned him Man of the Match honors. He led a fluid Chelsea front line featuring Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Enzo Fernandez, who overwhelmed Fluminense’s defense with creative movement and pace.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup was spot-on, nullifying a Fluminense side that had previously knocked out Inter Milan and Al Hilal. Chelsea’s wide men, Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, stretched the play, while midfield control and defensive discipline kept Fluminense at bay.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
This dominant win sends a strong message to European football — Chelsea are contenders again. With Joao Pedro hitting the ground running and Maresca’s system clicking, the Blues look ready to challenge for silverware in 2025-26.
All eyes now turn to the Club World Cup final, where Chelsea await the winner between PSG and Real Madrid.
Match Stats:
Final Score: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
Goals: Joao Pedro (24’, 56’)
Possession: Fluminense 53% – Chelsea 47%
Shots on Target: Fluminense 2 – Chelsea 6
Man of the Match: Joao Pedro (Chelsea
