New signing Joao Pedro marked his first Chelsea start with a stunning brace as the Blues eased past Fluminense 2–0 on Tuesday to book their place in the final of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian striker struck with precision in the 18th minute of the semi-final at MetLife Stadium and added a second just before the hour mark, securing Chelsea’s spot in Sunday’s final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Pedro, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion last week in a £60 million ($79 million) move, cut short his off-season break to join up with Chelsea. He made his debut off the bench in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras before being handed a starting role in place of the suspended Liam Delap.
Facing his former club, where he made 36 senior appearances before moving to Watford in 2020, Pedro respectfully declined to celebrate either goal.
Fluminense’s fairytale run came to an end after the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions had impressed by drawing with Borussia Dortmund in the group stage and defeating Inter Milan and Al-Hilal in the knockout rounds.
With their elimination, hopes of a South American winner in this expanded 32-team edition of the Club World Cup faded, as Chelsea notched consecutive wins over Brazilian opposition en route to the final.
The trophy will now return to European hands, with the final featuring two recent UEFA Champions League winners.
Fluminense coach Renato Portaluppi had likened his squad to the tournament’s “ugly duckling” due to the financial disparity with the remaining teams. Despite an inspiring campaign, this clash proved one challenge too many for the Rio-based side, captained by 40-year-old former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, without suspended duo Levi Colwill and Delap, welcomed back Moises Caicedo to the midfield after he missed the previous match due to suspension.
In front of 70,556 spectators just outside New York City, Chelsea dominated. Pedro opened the scoring with a composed finish after controlling a loose clearance and curling a shot past veteran goalkeeper Fabio. He acknowledged the Fluminense fans with a subdued celebration.
Fluminense responded with glimpses of danger. Hercules, their quarter-final hero, nearly equalised after a clever exchange with German Cano, but Marc Cucurella’s last-ditch clearance denied the goal. They were awarded a penalty shortly before halftime for a handball by Trevoh Chalobah, but the decision was overturned after VAR review.
Chelsea’s second came on a swift counterattack in the 56th minute. Enzo Fernandez released Pedro, who delivered another emphatic finish off the underside of the bar—his second goal sealing a memorable full debut.
The Blues had further chances to extend their lead, but Pedro’s double proved more than enough to send them to the final.
