Defeating Esperance Tunis 3-0, Chelsea entered the knockout round of the FIFA Club World Cup

(NLDO) - A draw was enough to complete the target, but Chelsea scored 3 goals against Esperance Tunis, winning a ticket to the knockout round as second place in Group D.

Leaving behind the 1-3 defeat at the hands of Flamengo four days earlier, Chelsea closed the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis on the morning of June 25. With only a draw to secure a place in the knockout round, coach Enzo Maresca deployed a Chelsea squad with many young and reserve players.

Chelsea fielded a very young squad

However, "The Blues" still showed superiority over their African opponents when they quickly took control of the game and continuously put pressure on their opponents. After many missed opportunities, it was not until the extra minutes of the first half that Chelsea broke the deadlock.

Tosin Adarabioyo headed the opening goal for "The Blues"

In the 45+3 minute, Enzo Fernandez took a free kick from the right wing and crossed the ball deep into the Esperance Tunis penalty area. The Tunisian defense blocked all of Chelsea's attacking positions but could not keep up with center-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who jumped high and headed the ball into the goal of goalkeeper Ben Said.

Not stopping there, just two minutes later, young striker Liam Delap doubled the gap with a neat finish after a delicate pass from Enzo Fernandez. This was also the first goal of rookie Delap in a Chelsea shirt at this world- class tournament.

Liam Delap doubled the lead for Chelsea in the 45+5 minute of injury time

In the second half, Chelsea continued to maintain the initiative, but no longer pushed the attack speed as before. However, they still managed to score another goal in the 90+7 minute thanks to young talent Tyrique George. The goal that sealed the 3-0 score showed the effectiveness of Chelsea's young players whenever given the opportunity.

Tyrique George sealed the 3-0 win in the 90+7 minute

Statistically, Chelsea were completely superior: controlling the ball 74%, launching 16 shots (7 on target), while Esperance did not have a single shot on target.

With this victory, the Premier League representative finished the group stage in second place in Group D , behind Flamengo - a Brazilian team that won 2 and drew 1 in the group stage, including a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in the match played at the same time. Chelsea will face Benfica in the knockout round this weekend while Flamengo will face Bayern Munich.

Final ranking of group D

The real challenge is waiting for Chelsea ahead as their opponents Benfica have many experienced players. However, with rising spirit and reasonable calculations from coach Maresca, "The Blues" can absolutely dream far at this year's Club World Cup.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ha-esperance-tunis-3-0-chelsea-vao-vong-knock-out-fifa-club-world-cup-196250625110633512.htm