Club World Cup news: Chelsea breeze through LAFC despite sparse crowd
In a performance balancing promise and pragmatism, Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over LAFC in their opening Group D match at the Club World Cup on Monday, June 16, in Atlanta.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez marked the difference, however, only about 22,000 fans showed up at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which holds over 71,000.
A goal in each half seals it for Chelsea
Chelsea drew first blood just before halftime.
An incisive break featuring Nicolas Jackson, who delivered a crisp pass, put Neto through.
With a smart cut inside onto his left, the winger rifled a low finish past Hugo Lloris in the 34th minute.
Late in the second half, summer arrival Liam Delap made his Chelsea debut with an immediate impact.
He bullied down the right channel before delivering a pinpoint cross for fellow substitute Enzo Fernandez, who buried the chance in the 80th minute.
LAFC remained a threat - even if subdued
Despite being underdogs, LAFC offered glimpses of menace. Denis Bouanga tested Robert Sanchez and David Martinez had a narrow miss after half-time.
The Los Angeles team posed even more of a threat when Olivier Giroud was brought on in the second half.
The former Blue added to LAFC’s attacking threat but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
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Atmosphere seemed detached
Scheduled for a Monday afternoon, the game lacked the electric energy of big-time matches.
Of the 75,000-seat venue, only 22,137 showed - an attendance that contrasted sharply with local MLS crowds and even Chelsea’s previous visitor numbers in Atlanta.
While a 3pm local showing may have appealed to international fans, the date and timing failed to appeal to the local crowd, who are ultimately the ticket buyers.
Looking ahead
Chelsea now look ahead to a clash with Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday, while LAFC gear up to face ES Tunis.
For the Blues, this result reinforces confidence from their recent UEFA Conference League triumph, offering early signs of tactical sharpness and squad depth.
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