Pedro Neto’s dazzling run and end and Enzo Fernandez’s composed close-range strike gave Chelsea victory over a harmful Los Angeles FC facet and victory of their first recreation of the 2025 Membership World Cup.
Winger Neto produced a gorgeous Cruyff flip earlier than firing within the Thirty fourth-minute opener in Atlanta, the place the Premier League staff dominated the primary half.
After Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s reflex save denied Denis Bounga an equaliser after the break, new Chelsea signing Liam Delap crossed for fellow substitute Fernandez to transform with 11 minutes remaining.
Chelsea are subsequent in motion towards Brazilian league leaders Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday (19:00 BST), with LAFC going through Tunisian staff Esperance on the identical night (23:00).
Neto’s GOLAZO deserves a glance from all angles! 🔥➡️
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Each recreation. Free. | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/PLelC5vSUz
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC
There was an sometimes acrimonious edge to proceedings within the Group D opener for each side, together with an altercation involving quite a few gamers at half-time.
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud – a Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup winner at Stamford Bridge – got here on at half-time for Jeremy Ebobisse, whereas Reece James made method for Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia was changed by Enzo Fernandez within the opposition half.
David Martinez, who had supplanted ahead Nathan Ordaz within the thirty eighth minute over a concussion concern, threatened twice early within the second half, displaying his intent most impressively when the 19-year-old shifted previous Marc Cucurella contained in the field, solely to fireside properly vast.
Nicolas Jackson had a header cleared off the road earlier than Denis Bounga, who gained the MLS Golden Boot with LAFC in 2023 and has eight objectives and 5 assists within the league in 2025, went closest to an equaliser.
Gabon worldwide Bounga bypassed Neto and drlled in a low shot from an angle that was alertly turned away by Robert Sanchez with the goalkeeper’s proper foot at his close to put up.
78′ GOAL! Enzo Fernandez doubles the lead with an help from Delap: 2-0!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Each Recreation | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHELAF pic.twitter.com/BMaRisGMdG
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025
Liam Delap: Debut help for Chelsea signing
New £30 million signing Liam Delap got here on shortly afterwards for Jackson, and the striker made the ultimate 10 minutes much less nervy for his facet by scampering on to Cole Palmer’s go and whipping in a cross from the correct that was slotted in by Fernandez after the Argentina midfielder confirmed composure to take a contact in entrance of objective.
Fernandez, who produced a objective and help in Chelsea’s Convention League remaining win over Actual Betis of their earlier recreation, now has eight direct objective involvements in his final 9 appearances in all competitions.
Neto virtually scored with the ultimate kick of the sport, reducing inside from the left and fizzing a shot from outdoors the field towards the crossbar and over.
