FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea Beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 To Kickstart Their Campaign

Published

12 months ago

June 17, 2025

thecloudngr

FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea Beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 To Kickstart Their Campaign—-Portuguese international Pedro Neto scored in the first half and 2nd half substitute Enzo Fernández in the 79th minute to give Chelsea a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Group D’s Club World Cup opener on Monday.

Chelsea put pressure on LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris early in the match. Neto scored in the 34th minute, picking up a pass from Nicolas Jackson and cutting onto his left foot for a near-post finish.

There were 22,137 fans in attendance at the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium, many of them backing LAFC. The Black and Gold had positive sparks of energy and possession throughout the first half, but struggled to find any real opportunities in front of goal.

LAFC almost got one back just before the 60-minute mark, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez came up with a save to keep Denis Bouanga off the scoresheet. The Black and Gold aimed to get some more experience onto the pitch at the half, bringing on former Chelsea man Olivier Giroud.

Coming in off the bench, Fernández made no mistake finishing Liam Delap’s cross, adding an insurance goal for The Blues.

Key moment

Chelsea’s day was made even more positive by the debut of Delap, a promising 22-year-old English striker signed from Ipswich Town.

Takeaways

While Chelsea is the favorite to top Group D, LAFC’s next two matches become essential to moving on to the knock-out rounds. LAFC vs. Flamengo will prove to be an entertaining game, with the two sides most likely battling it out for the group’s second spot.

“It’s a high level against a quality team. If you give them a moment, they’ll punish you. They had two chances, and they punished us.” — Marky Delgado, LAFC midfielder.

“We know they’ve got amazing players and they’re a really good team, but we’ve got to play our football. No matter who we’re playing, we play our football really confident. … You’ve got to pick your moments, and I think we’ve done that well today.” — Levi Colwill, Chelsea defender.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Up Next

President Tinubu To Visit Kaduna Thursday To Inaugurate Key Projects

Don't Miss

#CHELAF: Watch Free Livestream Match Between Chelsea Vs Los Angeles FC Here

Click to comment

Sports

BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener

Published

2 days ago

June 14, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener—-Morocco stunned the five-time champions with an early breakthrough before Vinícius Júnior’s moment of brilliance earned Brazil a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group C.

Brazil were forced to settle for a point in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a spirited Morocco side held the South American giants to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco a deserved lead. The African side’s intensity and organization troubled Brazil throughout the opening stages.

Brazil responded through their star man Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute. The Real Madrid winger drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity and ignite the Brazilian supporters.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack and arguably created the clearer opportunities in the closing stages.

The result leaves Group C finely poised, with both teams earning a valuable point in what was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. While Brazil avoided an early setback thanks to Vinícius’ heroics, Morocco once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous sides on the international stage.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Sports

BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal

Published

2 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal—-French champions edge Gunners 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to secure back-to-back European crowns.

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. PSG became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy in successive seasons.

Arsenal made the perfect start to the final when Kai Havertz fired the Premier League champions into an early lead in the sixth minute, giving Mikel Arteta’s side hope of winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

The holders responded in the second half, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, bringing PSG level and setting up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Arsenal defender Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, blasting his effort over the crossbar.

The victory caps another remarkable European campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who reached the final after eliminating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and entered the showpiece as defending champions.

For Arsenal, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to an otherwise historic season. Arteta’s men arrived in Budapest having won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached their first Champions League final since 2006, but they fell just short of completing a memorable double.

PSG’s triumph further cements their place among Europe’s elite, while Arsenal will be left to reflect on a campaign that brought domestic glory but ended in European heartbreak.

thecloudngr