João Pedro Shines Bright with Brace in Breakout Start
In a commanding display of confidence and skill, Chelsea became the first team to secure a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Fluminense on Tuesday night. The match, held at a packed neutral venue, marked a turning point not just for the club’s tournament hopes, but also for newcomer João Pedro—who stepped up with two decisive goals in his first full start.
The win came amidst squad adjustments forced by suspensions to key forwards Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, opening the door for Pedro to make his mark. The 23-year-old Brazilian did not disappoint.
“I think it was a dream. I don’t think it could have been better,” Pedro told DAZN post-match. “Two goals. Now we need to think about the final.”
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, now faces an unexpectedly welcome dilemma: rising internal competition within the attacking line. While Jackson returned from suspension later in the game, a missed opportunity to assist Cole Palmer underscored a hint of individual pressure overshadowing team play.
João Pedro, who only joined Chelsea a week ago, was reflective yet professional in his comments, balancing empathy for his former countrymen with his new allegiance.
“I am happy to score my first goal for Chelsea but also I know this tournament is very important for Fluminense,” he said. “I can just say sorry, but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals.”
Chelsea’s fluid performance earned praise across the board, with tactical precision and cohesion visible throughout the ninety minutes. Maresca’s squad, adapting swiftly to the tournament’s demands, now looks ahead to Sunday’s final, where club history and individual milestones hang in the balance.
“It would be my first title as well,” Pedro added. “I came one week ago and now I’m going to play a final. The team has welcomed me and now we need to move forward.”
The final promises to be a showcase not just of elite football, but also of evolving narratives—young talent seizing their moment, and a club redefining itself on the global stage.
