Liam Delap netted his debut goal for Chelsea, helping secure a 3-0 victory over Tunisian champions Esperance on Tuesday. This win at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia propelled the Blues into the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
Match Highlights
In a game played in challenging, sweaty conditions, the breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a header from an Enzo Fernandez free-kick. Just two minutes later, Liam Delap doubled Chelsea’s lead, controlling a pass from Fernandez with his back to goal, turning, and slotting a low shot into the net. This marked a memorable first goal for the new signing from Ipswich Town.
The third goal arrived deep into injury time at the end of the match when substitute Tyrique George found the net. The victory, witnessed by 32,937 fans, allowed Enzo Maresca’s side to rebound from their recent 3-1 loss to Flamengo.
Tournament Progression
Chelsea secured second place in Group D, behind Brazilian giants Flamengo, while Esperance’s Club World Cup journey ended.5 Chelsea will now head south to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face Benfica on Saturday. This will be the first encounter between the two clubs since Chelsea defeated Benfica in the 2013 Europa League final. The winner of that match will advance to the quarterfinals to play either Palmeiras or Botafogo of Brazil.
Team Changes and Standout Performances
Needing only a draw to progress, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes to his starting lineup following the Flamengo defeat. Delap, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto were the only players to retain their spots. Nineteen-year-old right-back Josh Acheampong, making his tenth start of the season, had a notable chance in the first half, forcing a save from Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
Enzo Fernandez was instrumental in both of Chelsea’s first-half goals, providing the assists. In the second half, defenders Mamadou Sarr and Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos made their Chelsea debuts after joining from Strasbourg. Despite a VAR check overturning a potential penalty for Chelsea, the team maintained control to seal the comfortable win.
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