João Pedro Nets Brace Against Boyhood Club Fluminense To Send Chelsea To FIFA Club World Cup Final

Published

10 months ago

July 8, 2025

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João Pedro Nets Brace Against Boyhood Club Fluminense To Send Chelsea To FIFA Club World Cup Final—-João Pedro who joined the club 6 days ago in a deal worth £55m add-ons included marked his first start for Chelsea with a brilliant brace against his boyhood club, guiding the Blues to a 2–0 win over Fluminense in New Jersey and into the Club World Cup final.

The Brazilian forward, a product of Fluminense’s academy, found the net in both halves but chose not to celebrate either goal out of respect for his former side. Even so, he was unquestionably the standout performer on the night.

First-half control

Enzo Maresca’s side started the brighter of the two, controlling possession and applying steady pressure down both flanks with Pedro Neto particularly lively on the left.

The opening goal arrived on 18 minutes after Neto burst past his man and whipped in a dangerous ball. Thiago Silva’s clearance only reached João Pedro, who controlled well and rifled a stunning strike into the top corner.

Fluminense struggled to create clear chances but came close through Hércules, whose effort looked destined to level things up until Marc Cucurella popped up to clear off the line.

There was late first-half drama when a VAR check overturned a penalty decision for a handball against Trevoh Chalobah, much to the relief of the travelling Chelsea support.

João Pedro seals it

The second half followed a similar pattern: Chelsea in control, Fluminense looking for inspiration. The former Brighton forward delivered the killer blow just before the hour mark. Set free by Enzo Fernández on the counter, he shrugged off Ignácio, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce shot that clipped the underside of the bar before bulging the net. A thunderous finish to make it 2–0 and effectively end the contest.

The Blues rang the changes late on, with Reece James, Noni Madueke and Dewsbury-Hall among those introduced to see out the result.

There was a brief scare when Moisés Caicedo limped off after a knock to his heel, but initial signs suggest it’s nothing too serious.

The Brazilian side had a couple of half-chances in the closing stages – Everaldo tried an audacious bicycle kick and Keno caused the odd problem – but they couldn’t break Chelsea’s solid defensive shape.

Chelsea now await the winner of Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid, who square off on Wednesday, for Sunday’s final.

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BREAKING: Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach on Four-Year Deal

Published

19 hours ago

May 17, 2026

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BREAKING: Chelsea Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach on Four-Year Deal—-Former midfield maestro arrives at Stamford Bridge after impressive rise in management.

Chelsea FC have officially confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract.

The Spaniard is expected to begin his role at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026, as Chelsea look to rebuild after another turbulent campaign.

Chelsea announced the appointment on the club’s official website, describing Alonso as one of the most respected figures in modern football following his rapid rise in management.

Alonso arrives in London with a growing reputation after successful spells with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Real Madrid. He gained widespread praise for leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign and a domestic double during the 2023/24 season.

The 44-year-old replaces Liam Rosenior following Chelsea’s disappointing season, which included defeat in the FA Cup final and inconsistent Premier League form.

Reports suggest Chelsea’s hierarchy see Alonso as the ideal figure to bring stability, tactical identity, and long-term direction to the club after several managerial changes in recent years.

Speaking after the announcement, Alonso expressed excitement about the challenge ahead and said he is determined to build a competitive team capable of fighting for major honours once again.

The appointment also marks Alonso’s return to English football, having previously enjoyed a successful playing career with Liverpool FC, where he won the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

Chelsea supporters will now hope the former midfield maestro can restore the club’s identity and guide the Blues back into contention both domestically and in Europe.

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BREAKING: FA Cup Triumph for Manchester City After Narrow Win Over Chelsea

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

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BREAKING: FA Cup Triumph for Manchester City After Narrow Win Over Chelsea—-Semenyo’s second-half winner seals Wembley triumph as Guardiola’s side lift another major trophy

Manchester City defeated Chelsea FC 1-0 at Wembley to win the 2026 FA Cup, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Antoine Semenyo.

The tightly contested final remained goalless for much of the afternoon before Semenyo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with a clever backheel finish from an Erling Haaland cross.

The victory handed City their eighth FA Cup title and completed a domestic cup double for manager Pep Guardiola after already securing the League Cup earlier in the season.

Chelsea showed flashes of promise and created a few dangerous moments, but the Blues struggled to convert their opportunities. Enzo Fernández and João Pedro both went close, while City goalkeeper James Trafford remained composed when called upon.

The match also saw late drama as Chelsea pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, but Guardiola’s side held firm to secure the trophy.

The result extends Chelsea’s difficult record in domestic cup finals, with the Blues now losing seven consecutive appearances in such showpiece matches.

For City, however, the triumph further reinforces their dominance in English football and keeps alive hopes of ending the campaign with even more silverware.

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