FIFA Club World Cup: Chelsea Secure Round of 16 Spot

Chelsea’s second string side sealed a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis in their final Group D clash on Tuesday. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George ensured progression for the Blues.

Meanwhile, Group D leaders Flamengo were held to a 1-1 draw by LAFC, finishing on seven points just one ahead of Chelsea. Esperance concluded third with three points, while LAFC finished bottom with a single point.

Chelsea are now set to face Group C winners Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Flamengo will take on Group C runners up Bayern Munich on Sunday in Miami.

Despite the high stakes, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca opted to rest several key players, including Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Striker Nicolas Jackson was also unavailable as he continues to serve a two-match suspension following a red card in Chelsea’s previous defeat to Flamengo.

Delap, a £30 million signing from Ipswich Town, came close to scoring in the 20th minute with a header that was cleared off the line. Although Chelsea dominated possession in a quiet first half, their attack lacked sharpness. Delap missed another clear opportunity in the 30th minute, sending a shot wide from close range.

The breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time when Adarabioyo headed home a precise finish into the bottom left corner. Just moments later, Delap netted his first Chelsea goal, calmly slotting the ball into the far corner after collecting a loose ball inside the box.

Chelsea maintained their dominance throughout the second half, controlling play and defending with composure. The win was capped off in added time as substitute Tyrique George rifled in a third goal from the edge of the area.

Benfica Make History with First Win Over Bayern to Claim Group C Lead

Benfica topped Group C with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, securing their first ever victory against the German giants in scorching conditions. Andreas Schjelderup’s early goal proved decisive for the Portuguese side.

With the result, Benfica advance to face Chelsea in the Round of 16. Bayern, who finished second in the group, will now meet Flamengo.

We didn’t perform well in the first half, admitted Bayern manager Vincent Kompany. The heat and pitch conditions disrupted our rhythm. We had chances but didn’t take them, and in football, that often costs you.

Schjelderup scored in the 13th minute, converting Fredrik Aursnes’ low cross after a defensive lapse by Bayern. With qualification already assured, Bayern fielded a rotated squad and lacked urgency in the opening period.

They improved after the break and thought they had equalised when Joshua Kimmich found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out due to Harry Kane being offside in the buildup.

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered a standout performance, making key saves to deny Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leroy Sané. He was deservedly named man of the match.

It was a full team effort against a world-class opponent, said Trubin.The heat was intense, but we stayed focused and finished the job.

Manager Bruno Lage praised his squad’s belief and execution, We came into the game confident, despite our history with Bayern. We played aggressively, created better chances, and finishing first in the group means everything. Everyone was talking about Boca Juniors needing a big win, but they overlooked us we made our statement.

No one thought we could beat Bayern, Lage added, but we believed in our process, and it showed on the pitch.