Chelsea Defeat LAFC in FIFA Club World Cup Opener

Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández emerged as Chelsea’s match-winners in their 2-0 victory over LAFC at the FIFA Club World Cup held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Neto broke the deadlock in the 34th minute — receiving Nicolas Jackson’s pass before beating Ryan Hollingshead and firing a powerful shot into Hugo Lloris’ near post.

Substitute Liam Delap made an immediate impact — providing the assist for Fernández’s 79th-minute goal after collecting a through ball from Cole Palmer.

LAFC’s best chance came through Denis Bouanga when trailing 1-0, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, introduced as a second-half substitute, struggled to make an impact.

The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium drew just 22,137 spectators — less than a third of the venue’s capacity.

Chelsea will face Flamengo in their next fixture in Philadelphia.