Joao Pedro Steals the Show as Chelsea Storm into Club World Cup Final
Wow, what a night it was for Chelsea fans — and especially for Joao Pedro. If anyone had doubts about his potential or whether he could step up on the big stage, those were completely erased in the semi-final against Fluminense at the Club World Cup. Joao Pedro didn’t just score — he dazzled, delivering two sublime goals that reminded everyone of what it means to wear the Chelsea badge with pride.
Let’s talk about that first goal in the 18th minute. A 20-yard curler, and what a strike it was. No hesitation, no second-guessing — just raw instinct and flawless execution. That moment really set the tone for the match. It wasn’t just about putting Chelsea ahead; it was a statement. And then, in the 56th minute, he followed it up with an absolute stunner — a hit off the underside of the crossbar that left the keeper frozen. The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey erupted. Fans knew they were watching something special unfold.
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Pedro’s composure in front of goal was a stark contrast to some of his teammates, notably Nicolas Jackson, who had a tough night trying to find his rhythm. There were moments where Jackson could’ve squared the ball for a tap-in — especially when Cole Palmer was wide open — but he went for glory and missed. That side-netting shot in the 81st minute, while frustrating, highlighted the pressure he’s under. And while he may still have a role to play, the focus has definitely shifted. It feels like Joao Pedro has leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, deserves credit too. His tactical setup worked like a charm, with support from key players like Enzo Fernández, who grabbed an assist, and a solid backline that held Fluminense to just two shots on target. The stats tell the story: Chelsea had 54.8% possession, 16 shots, and 5 on target — all while keeping their structure and pressing high when needed.
Let’s not ignore the stakes either. This was a Club World Cup semi-final. The pressure was real. Fluminense aren’t pushovers — they earned their place here by knocking out the Champions League finalists. But Chelsea’s class showed through. And Joao Pedro? He looked like a player reborn, someone ready to lead this team into the final, where they'll face either PSG or Real Madrid.
If this match was any indication, Chelsea have found their man in Pedro. He’s not just part of the squad anymore — he’s leading it.
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