Chelsea began their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory against Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC on Monday in Group D, though the match was played in front of a disappointingly low attendance at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez gave the Blues a strong start in what proved to be a competitive encounter against one of the three MLS teams in the tournament.
New signing Liam Delap made his Chelsea debut as a substitute, providing an assist for Fernandez’s goal.
Chelsea, fresh off winning the UEFA Conference League and securing Champions League qualification, are aiming to reassert themselves among football’s elite.
Despite an encouraging turnout over the weekend, only around 22,000 fans showed up to the 71,000-capacity stadium for Monday’s afternoon kickoff, leaving nearly 50,000 empty seats.
The roof was closed to shield spectators from Georgia’s humidity and summer heat, but the low crowd was blamed on the early weekday kickoff time, which was scheduled to accommodate British TV audiences.
LAFC, who earned their spot after beating Club America and replacing the banned Mexican side Club Leon, played all their group matches away from California.
The stadium’s top tier was closed off, with other sections only partially occupied, despite ticket price drops in the days leading up to the match.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was tested several times in the first half, including saves from LAFC’s Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer narrowly missed with a shot over the bar.
Jackson, eager to cement his place in the starting lineup, played a key role in Chelsea’s opening goal by releasing Neto with a precise through ball.
Neto then skillfully maneuvered past defender Ryan Hollingshead to score a powerful finish past Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s experienced keeper.
In the second half, former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud entered for LAFC, hoping to boost their attack, but Sanchez continued to keep his goal secure.
Chelsea coach Maresca introduced Delap after the hour mark.
The young striker made an immediate impact by driving into space and setting up Fernandez’s second goal.
Fernandez controlled Delap’s cross and finished expertly, sealing the win.
LAFC threatened late in the match, with defender Marc Cucurella blocking a shot, but Chelsea maintained control until the final whistle.
Later on Monday, Group D action continues with Esperance Tunis facing Flamengo from Brazil.
