Match Highlights
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Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a powerful header from an Enzo Fernández free-kick during first-half injury time, giving Chelsea an early lead.
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Liam Delap, Chelsea’s £30 million summer signing, made an immediate impact—scoring his first club goal just after the break and also providing an assist—demonstrating his potential in Jackson’s absence.
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Tyrique George, introduced late as a substitute, capped the scoring with a curled finish into the bottom corner during added time, wrapping up a comfortable win.
Context and Conditions
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Under code‑red heat alerts in Philadelphia (nearly 40 °C), Chelsea resorted to ice fans during training to mitigate the extreme conditions.
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Manager Enzo Maresca rotated his side heavily after defeat to Flamengo, yet still managed an efficient performance to finish second in the group.
Key Takeaways
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Liam Delap looks increasingly like a contender for Chelsea’s lead striker role with his early contributions in the tournament.
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Enzo Fernández’s set-piece delivery continues to be a major asset, creating goals even with a makeshift lineup.
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Chelsea’s strong defensive showing and goal threat across the lineup give them momentum heading into the knockout stage.
What’s Next?
Chelsea will now shift focus to a high-stakes Round of 16 showdown with Benfica, fresh off their surprise win over Bayern Munich. With renewed energy and confidence, Maresca's squad is aiming to build on this performance.
