Chelsea qualified for the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup following a commanding 3-0 win over ES Tunis.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George scored to hand the Blues victory. The result sees the Premier League side progress from Group D in second place, behind who finished first. Chelsea will now face Portuguese giants Benfica in the last-16.
Delap, who joined from Ipswich in a £30m deal earlier this month, made a notable impact on his full debut. The 22-year-old striker opened his Chelsea account with a composed finish in first-half added time, just two minutes after Adarabioyo rose highest to nod home Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint free-kick.
Despite oppressive humidity and a stifling 36°C heat index in Philadelphia, Chelsea maintained control throughout. Manager Enzo Maresca, mindful of the conditions, rotated heavily – resting key players like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Moises Caicedo while making eight changes to the starting lineup.
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Delap delivers as Chelsea stay cool under pressure
Although the second half lacked the same intensity, Chelsea remained in charge. Fernandez, captaining in place of the ill Reece James, delivered a strong performance before making way for debutant Andrey Santos. Mamadou Sarr also featured for the first time.
Delap could have doubled his tally earlier when he latched onto Noni Madueke’s pass. However, his shot was well saved by Bechir Ben Said. However, his earlier goal – a quick turn and clinical finish – was enough to make a statement in the absence of suspended forward Nicolas Jackson.
With ES Tunis needing a win to leapfrog Chelsea, the Tunisian side posed little attacking threat. They managed just three shots – none on target. The African side also struggled for possession against a dominant Chelsea who ended the game with 74% of the ball.
George added the final touch in stoppage time to seal victory for the Blues and confirm ES Tunis’ exit alongside Los Angeles FC.
Tags: Liam Delap, Chelsea, Esperance, ES Tunis, #ESTCHE, #FIFACWC, #FIFAClubWorldCup2025, #CWC, Bechir Ben Said, Enzo Fernandez, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, #CFC, #KTBFFH, Los Angeles FC.
