The first finalist for the Club World Cup has been decided: Chelsea secured their spot by defeating Fluminense 2-0 on Tuesday. The impressive run of the Brazilian side came to an end against a team that featured one of their own youth products, João Pedro, who made a significant impact on Chelsea`s attacking options. Stepping in for the suspended Liam Delap, another recent summer signing for the Blues, João Pedro showcased impressive finishing skills, helping to propel Chelsea into the Club World Cup final scheduled for Sunday.
In the final, Chelsea will face the winner of the highly anticipated second semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. For João Pedro, this match was an excellent start to his Chelsea career. His performance demonstrated precisely why the club signed him. He joined the Fluminense youth system at age 10 and made his professional debut in 2019. After playing in England for Watford and Brighton, he now aims to be a key part of Chelsea`s squad in the upcoming season, giving manager Enzo Maresca difficult selection choices.
There was also a connection between the two clubs on the pitch, with former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva captaining the Brazilian side during the tournament. Described by some as the `ugly ducklings` of the tournament due to financial disparities, Fluminense`s journey to the semifinals was a memorable achievement.
While the tournament has celebrated South American football and its passionate fans in the United States, the European clubs are asserting their dominance as the competition reaches its final stages. This is a level Chelsea is keen to return to. Having missed the Champions League since the 2022-23 season, the Blues are back next season, and winning the Club World Cup would be a strong statement to cap off a long campaign. They last won this competition (in its previous format) in 2021, defeating Palmeiras in the final, and aim to add another trophy in the 2024-25 season after already securing the UEFA Conference League.
Anticipated Semifinal: PSG vs Real Madrid
Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain are scheduled to play on Wednesday in arguably the most anticipated match of the tournament. Apart from a minor stumble against Botafogo, Luis Enrique`s team has swept aside opponents in their path. However, facing Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid is guaranteed to be an emotional encounter.
PSG achieved their objective of winning the Champions League despite Mbappé`s departure on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. Mbappé remains the club`s all-time leading scorer and one of the finest attackers to have worn the French side`s jersey. It was a complicated exit from PSG, but it`s not something Luis Enrique is dwelling on as they prepare to meet. PSG has already reached the pinnacle of European football.
The tournament has been challenging for Mbappé personally; he did not feature until the knockout stages after spending time in the hospital with acute gastroenteritis. His absence allowed manager Xabi Alonso to assess Gonzalo García, who has impressive stats in the tournament with four goals and an assist. However, in a crucial match like this against PSG, Real Madrid will need Mbappé performing at his absolute best.
