Esperance Sportive de Tunisie vs Chelsea FC
Easy does it. Back to winning ways for the Blues. Ticket firmly booked to the Round of 16 and the hopes of another trophy rekindled. The Chelsea squad needed this one, and despite facing a ferocious Esperance de Tunis crowd in Philly, they cruised to a 3-0 victory. Flashes of brilliance from Enzo and Delap throughout. Maybe they’ve finally found their number nine with the latter. Only time will tell, but with Benfica up next, it’ll be the perfect chance to see what he’s got. Impossible not to think back to 2012 and 2013 when facing the Portuguese. Maybe it’s a sign. For now, we’re glad we got to shoot one of our favorite European clubs again Stateside.
Photography by: Rodolfho Chona
Chelsea made a resounding statement in their final Group D match at the Club World Cup, securing a 3-0 win over Esperance de Tunis on Tuesday to advance to the Round of 16. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George sealed the result at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, ensuring the Blues progressed alongside group winners Flamengo.
Head coach Enzo Maresca, navigating a busy tournament schedule, opted for heavy squad rotation. Star players like Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez were rested, while striker Nicolas Jackson remained sidelined, serving a suspension. Despite the adjustments, Chelsea’s depth shone through, especially in pivotal moments.
The match started sluggishly for the London side, with a lack of creativity in the final third dominating the narrative of the first half. Liam Delap came close to opening the scoring twice but was thwarted by a goal-line clearance and a missed opportunity from close range. Just as frustration seemed to set in, Chelsea turned the tide in first-half stoppage time.
Enzo Fernández, pivotal in midfield, floated a pinpoint free kick into the box, allowing Adarabioyo to rise highest and nod home the opener in the 45+3rd minute. Moments later, Fernández again showcased his playmaking prowess, lofting a ball into Delap’s path. The young striker cut inside his marker and slotted a clinical finish to double Chelsea’s lead in the 45+5th minute.
The second half saw a more measured approach from Chelsea, who controlled possession and introduced fresh faces. Promising academy talents like Andrey Santos and Tyrique George gained valuable minutes, with George making the most of his opportunity. Deep into added time, the 19-year-old fired a low shot from the edge of the box, with the Esperance goalkeeper unable to keep it out, cementing a 3-0 victory.
For Maresca, the match marked a satisfying response to their earlier 3-1 defeat against Flamengo. “After a loss, it was important to show resilience,” the coach noted. “We wanted to continue building the winners’ mentality, and the players delivered.”
Esperance head coach Maher Kanzari acknowledged his team’s lapse in focus during added time in the first half but credited his players for tactical discipline against a quality opponent.
Chelsea now prepare for a Round of 16 clash against Benfica on Saturday in Charlotte, while Flamengo will face Bayern Munich in Miami. With momentum regained and a blend of experience and youth performing well, Chelsea looks poised for the challenges ahead in their pursuit of Club World Cup glory.
