How Did Chelsea Easily Overcome Esperance to Progress?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chelsea secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Esperance.
- Enzo Fernandez was pivotal, assisting both opening goals.
- The match showcased Chelsea's depth with young players making impactful contributions.
- Chelsea will face SL Benfica next in the knockout stage.
- The team enters this upcoming match with renewed confidence.
Philadelphia, June 25 (NationPress) Chelsea FC triumphed over Esperance with a decisive scoreline of 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday (IST), securing their place in the knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
With CR Flamengo already clinching Group D, the Blues are set to face Group C champions SL Benfica in Charlotte on June 28, after the Portuguese side managed a 1-0 win against FC Bayern Munchen.
In an effort to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca made eight changes to the lineup. With the Londoners needing just a draw to advance and Espérance adopting a defensive stance, the first half was uneventful until Chelsea found the net twice before the break.
Enzo Fernandez was instrumental, assisting both goals. In the third minute of stoppage time, the Argentine midfielder delivered a free-kick to Tosin Adarabioyo, who headed the ball into the far corner of the net.
Just two minutes later, Fernandez sent a perfectly placed ball to new signing Liam Delap, who evaded his defender and slotted the ball into the empty net, extending Chelsea's lead to 2-0.
In the second half, Maresca showcased some of Chelsea's promising young players. Dario Essugo and Marc Guiu came on in the 59th minute, while Tyrique George and Andrey Santos joined in the 67th. Defender Mamadou Sarr was introduced in the 82nd minute.
Just before the final whistle, George sealed the game with a powerful strike, making it 3-0 for Chelsea.
After those crucial late first-half goals, the result was never in doubt, and the Blues enter their match against Benfica in Charlotte with renewed confidence.
In other news, CA Boca Juniors exited the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 following Auckland City FC's first-ever tournament goal and a surprising draw in Nashville.
A dramatic last-minute goal from Wallace Yan ensured a draw for CR Flamengo, just two minutes after Denis Bouanga thought he had led LAFC to victory, a match that had no stakes since LAFC was already eliminated and Flamengo confirmed as Group D winners.