Chelsea Dominates LAFC 2-0 to Secure Commanding Club World Cup Victory: Complete Player Analysis
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea comfortably defeated LAFC in their Club World Cup opening match, though they experienced some challenging periods during the game.
The Blues controlled the ball for the majority of the opening half but struggled to convert their chances in the attacking zone. LAFC, with their limited possession, failed to create consistent threats as Chelsea's coordinated pressing proved effective. The MLS side frequently deployed their entire squad defensively to stifle their English Premier League rivals.
Pedro Neto eventually opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 33rd minute. The Portuguese winger capitalized on a precise pass from Nicolas Jackson as he advanced into the penalty area. Ryan Hollingshead attempted to recover defensively, but a skillful feint left the LAFC defender off balance before Neto fired a powerful shot beyond Hugo Lloris at the near corner.
The second half began similarly with LAFC continuing to struggle in creating offensive opportunities against the Blues. Neto remained Chelsea's most dangerous attacking threat and nearly provided an assist in the 52nd minute, only to be denied by Timothy Tillman's intervention against Nicolas Jackson.
Liam Delap entered the match as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson, marking his Chelsea debut. While LAFC managed a few improved scoring chances, they couldn't find the equalizing goal. Enzo Fernández secured Chelsea's victory with a second goal, assisted by a smart delivery from Delap. The new signing's goal contribution should guarantee him additional playing time in upcoming Club World Cup fixtures. Dário also made his first appearance wearing the Chelsea jersey.
This defeat leaves MLS teams with only one point from nine possible, following Inter Miami's draw with Al Ahly in the tournament's opening fixture. LAFC faces a difficult challenge if they hope to progress to the elimination rounds.
Review the individual player performances from the match below.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs. LAFC (4-2-1-3)
*Ratings Provided by Fotmob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Robert Sánchez | 8.7 |
RB: Reece James | 7.4 |
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo | 7.5 |
CB: Levi Colwill | 7.3 |
LB: Marc Cucurella | 7.5 |
DM: Romeo Lavia | 6.7 |
DM: Moisés Caicedo | 7.8 |
AM: Cole Palmer | 7.4 |
RW: Pedro Neto | 9.0 |
ST: Nicolas Jackson | 8.1 |
LW: Noni Madueke | 7.1 |
SUB: Enzo Fernandez (46' for Lavia) | 7.9 |
SUB: Malo Gusto (46' for James) | 6.9 |
SUB: Liam Delap (64' for Jackson) | 7.1 |
SUB: Tyrique George (64' for Madueke) | 6.5 |
SUB: Christopher Nkunku (84' for Palmer) | N/A |
SUB: Dario Essugo (84' for Caicedo) | N/A |
LAFC Player Ratings vs. Chelsea (4-1-2-3)
*Ratings Provided by Fotmob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Hugo Lloris | 6.4 |
RB: Sergi Palencia | 6.5 |
CB: Aaron Long | 7.1 |
CB: Eddie Segura | 6.1 |
LB: Ryan Hollingshead | 6.3 |
DM: Igor Jesus | 6.5 |
CM: Marco Delgado | 6.7 |
CM: Timothy Tillman | 7.2 |
RW: Nathan Ordaz | 5.8 |
ST: Jeremy Ebobisse | 5.4 |
LW: Denis Bouanga | 5.9 |
SUB: David Martinez (38' for Ordaz) | 5.7 |
SUB: Olivier Giroud (46' for Ebobisse) | 6.0 |
SUB: Frankie Amaya (81' for Jesus) | N/A |
SUB: Marlon (87' for Delgado) | N/A |
SUB: Yaw Yeboah (87' for Tillman) | N/AC |