Chelsea 2-0 Los Angeles FC: Maresca´s side open Club World Cup campaign with unconvincing win

Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez were both on target but Chelsea were far from convincing in a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC to start their Club World Cup campaign.

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both went close for Enzo Maresca’s side in their Group D opener on Monday before the Senegal striker teed up Neto’s fine finish after 34 minutes in Atlanta.

A reverse pass down the right from Jackson released Neto, who then left LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead on the floor with a cute turn before blasting low past former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

LAFC had their chances to start the second half, however, as David Martinez skewed off target before Robert Sanchez denied Denis Bouanga’s fizzing effort.

Timothy Tillman also drilled narrowly wide before Liam Delap, making his Chelsea debut off the bench, whipped in for fellow substitute Fernandez to touch down and fire home from close range in the 79th minute.

Bouanga again went close in response before Neto’s late strike brushed the crossbar as Chelsea saw out an expected victory that tees them up well for an enticing meeting with Brazilian giants Flamengo on Friday.

Off to a great start. pic.twitter.com/l4t0MhLMle

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2025

Data Debrief: Chelsea dominate as Lloris’ pain continues

Lloris is no stranger to Chelsea, facing them for a 24th time here in all competitions – his most appearances against one opponent – but he has won just four of those meetings after this defeat.

Indeed, Chelsea dominated another clash against Lloris but not with complete control as Maresca’s men accumulated 1.96 expected goals (xG) to LAFC’s 0.82.

Their struggles in front of goal were not helped by star attacker Palmer, who attempted a game-high six shots without any of those finding the target, albeit those chances were worth just 0.29 xG.

Maresca will hope Palmer can find form as he looks to impress with Chelsea at the Club World Cup, in which they previously reached the final in 2012 before winning the 2021 edition in their only two appearances.