Liquidator. Chelsea gave LAFC those Monday Blues. From Conference League champions to world champions? Only time will tell. Respect to all those who called out of work for this one in Atlanta. One of those unhinged matchups you fire up on EAFC when you’re bored with your buddies. When else will you be able to say you went to see an MLS team square up against a Prem side for an official match? Maybe never again. Pedro Neto, Enzo, and Delap made the used-up PTO worth it. In a strange way, this tournament might be up to something…

Photography by: Kyros Morales

Chelsea began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over LAFC in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday. Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández secured the win for the Premier League side, while LAFC showed flashes of resilience against their formidable opponents.

After a cagey opening, Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Pedro Neto. Nicolas Jackson’s pinpoint pass unlocked LAFC’s defense, allowing Neto to cut inside and slot a precise finish past Hugo Lloris. The goal was a culmination of Chelsea’s growing dominance, as they slowly pushed the MLS side deeper into their half.

LAFC, buoyed by a passionate traveling contingent of supporters, responded with energy but lacked the final product. A 51st-minute attempt by substitute David Martínez and a long-range strike from Ryan Hollingshead came close, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez remained largely untested.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 79th minute through Enzo Fernández, who latched onto a perfectly delivered cross from debutant Liam Delap. The goal showcased the young striker’s composure and vision, as Delap made an instant impact after coming on as a substitute. For Fernández, it was another shining moment in a career filled with big-stage performances, adding a touch of class to Chelsea’s overall display.

LAFC had moments to pull one back, most notably when Denis Bouanga unleashed a fierce shot that was expertly saved by Sánchez. Despite a spirited effort, the MLS side couldn’t find the cutting edge to breach Chelsea’s defense.

Liam Delap’s debut was particularly noteworthy. The 22-year-old forward, a summer signing from Ipswich Town, displayed both physicality and creativity. His assist for Fernández’s goal highlighted his potential to become a key player for the Blues.

“It’s a really happy feeling for me,” Delap said post-match. “I’m so excited to be here and contribute. They’ve welcomed me really well, and I can’t wait for more.”

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca praised the team’s performance. “At this stage of the season, it’s normal to manage certain things, but overall, the performance was good, and we won the game,” he said.

LAFC, appearing in their first Club World Cup, showed glimpses of promise but struggled to convert chances into goals. Head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but remained optimistic. “We clawed our way back into the game and had chances to equalize,” he said. “We’ll use this as a learning opportunity to improve.”

Chelsea will face Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday, while LAFC takes on ES Tunis in Nashville. With three points secured, Chelsea will look to maintain their momentum, while LAFC must regroup to keep their tournament hopes alive.

For both sides, the tournament promises more challenges ahead, but Chelsea’s clinical performance in Atlanta sets the standard for what’s to come.