Chelsea secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup final with a decisive 2-0 victory over Brazil's Fluminense in New Jersey, fueled by a standout performance from new signing Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Brighton last week for a reported £60 million, scored twice in his first start for the Premier League side, showcasing his technical prowess and emotional connection to his former club.
Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a stunning curling strike from outside the box, pausing afterward to acknowledge Fluminense fans in a nod to his roots. A crucial goal-line clearance by Marc Cucurella preserved Chelsea's lead before halftime. Pedro sealed the win early in the second half with a thunderous shot from Enzo Fernandez's assist, the ball ricocheting off the crossbar into the net.
The victory sets up a high-stakes final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, as Chelsea seeks to add another global trophy to their cabinet. The match highlighted the club's strategic investments and the immediate impact of Pedro, whose dual goals underscored his rising prominence in international football.
