PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 25, 2025 – Striker Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea purpose because the Blues certified for the knockout levels of the Club World Cup with a win over ES Tunis.
The 22-year-old scored with a positioned shot deep into first half added time to get off the mark after his £30m transfer from Ipswich earlier this month.
It got here simply two minutes after defender Tosin Adarabioyo headed in a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez to open the scoring.
Substitute Tyrique George added a late third with virtually the final kick of the match in entrance of 32,967 followers at Lincoln Financial Field.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s group choice gave the impression to be impacted by the acute temperatures in Philadelphia, which nonetheless ‘felt like’ 36C by the 9pm kick-off due to the humidity.
The Italian made eight modifications and rested star ahead Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s prime scorer within the competitors Pedro Neto, and document signing Moises Caicedo.
Maresca rang additional modifications throughout a flat second half as Chelsea eased away from an inconceivable upset towards their African opponents, who got here into the match needing a win to progress at Chelsea’s expense.
Victory means Chelsea progress as runners-up in Group D, behind winners Flamengo, to arrange a last-16 assembly with Portuguese membership Benfica.
What’s the primary speaking level?
Delap proved he is usually a threatening possibility up entrance, with different hanging possibility Nicolas Jackson nonetheless suspended for the last-16 match towards Benfica following his sending off towards Flamengo.
The ahead opened his Chelsea account with a trendy purpose – a deft first contact, spin and positioned shot into the underside nook simply earlier than referee Yaez Falcon Perez blew his half-time whistle.
The England under-21 worldwide had earlier spun into house after Noni Madueke’s move inside and noticed a shot saved by goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
Which gamers stood out?
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez captained the group within the absence of an sick Reece James and arrange each objectives earlier than being taken off for debutant Andrey Santos within the second half. Mamadou Sarr additionally made his first look for the membership.
Several Chelsea gamers struggled to impress – like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku – nevertheless it was comprehensible in such troublesome situations after so many modifications.
The standout stats
Chelsea dominated possession on a scorching night, having 74% of the ball. They additionally managed 16 pictures to simply three – and none on course – from ES Tunis.
What’s subsequent for these groups?
Chelsea progress in second place from Group D behind Flamengo to arrange a last-16 match with Benfica on Saturday.
ES Tunis be part of Los Angeles FC in being knocked out of the match.
