Two goals from new signing João Pedro fired Chelsea into the final of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old striker, making his full debut for the club, scored in each half to secure the win in a keenly contested semi-final at MetLife Stadium.
Pedro, who signed from Brighton last week for a reported £55 million, opened his account in the 18th minute. He capitalized after former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva failed to clear a Pedro Neto cross, curling a composed finish into the net. His second goal came in the 56th minute, a powerful shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar to seal Chelsea’s progression.
The Premier League side had further opportunities to extend their lead, with Christopher Nkunku missing several chances. At the other end, a crucial goal-line clearance from Marc Cucurella denied Fluminense’s Hercules an equaliser. The Brazilian club also had a first-half penalty award for a handball by Trevoh Chalobah overturned following a VAR review.
The victory, played out in challenging 35°C heat, was soured for Chelsea by a potential injury to key midfielder Moises Caicedo, who limped off the pitch in stoppage time with an apparent ankle issue.
Chelsea will now face either Real Madrid or Paris St-Germain in the final on Sunday at the same venue. The win guarantees the London club a significant financial windfall, reportedly adding £22 million to the £60 million they have already earned from the competition.
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