Chelsea who have recently won the UEFA Conference league and have also gained Champions league qualification after 2 years are up against Los Angeles FC who currently sit 5th in the Western Conference of the MLS.
FIFA Club World Cup Chelsea Vs LAFC
This match was predicted to be an easy win for Chelsea but LAFC were resolute in their defending and disciplined.
Chelsea Vs LAFC 1st half
The match started with a predictable possession kept by the visitors from London but LAFC kept them quiet as they played a high line and were defending pretty well. LAFC kept attacking in counters but were not able to commit forward with numbers as they were defending deep.
It looked difficult for Chelsea to break the deadlock until the 34th minute when Pedro Neto sat down one defender and finished on the near post thanks to a beautiful Nicolas Jackson through ball which helped him break the offside trap.
Cole Palmer was kept quiet for the half by LAFC as he was not allowed to conduct play. Although Chelsea were trying to find him, he was denied any access into the LA penalty area.
Chelsea Vs LAFC 2nd half
Malo Gusto was brought on in for Reece James after the half-time whistle as the Club captain had collected a yellow card in the 1st half. Enzo Fernandez was also brought on for Romeo Lavia.
The second half started with the same energy as Chelsea kept most of the ball. Former Chelsea man, Olivier Giroud was also brought on by LAFC but to no avail. At the 64th minute mark, Liam Delap was brought on for Nicolas Jackson. The Englishman was making his debut and looked solid as he consistently tested the centre-backs.
Met perfectly by a late Enzo Fernandez run
The debut boy was involved in the second Chelsea goal as he produced an outside run and put in a speculative ball inside the box which was met perfectly by a late Enzo Fernandez run. The Argentine once again rose to the occasion and killed the game off with an easy, calm and collected finish.
Other than the goal, Bouanga from LAFC received some half-chances but was not able to convert them.
Martinez was brilliant from the right as he asked Cucurella some serious questions but after some duels, the Spaniard got the edge on him.
Chelsea had to work for this win, and it will be a great start for them and the new signing getting an assist is a positive outcome from the match. Maresca was happy with the performance and hopes they continue to build on it.
