Joao Pedro’s Chelsea Debut Stuns Fluminense as Blues Book Club World Cup Final Spot

Joao Pedro’s Dream Debut Sends Chelsea to Club World Cup Final

A blistering debut. A brace against his boyhood club. And now, a shot at global glory.

Joao Pedro couldn’t have scripted it better. Just a week after arriving at Chelsea, the 60-million-pound Brazilian forward made his first start — and left an indelible mark. Two clinical goals against Fluminense in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup have propelled the Blues into Sunday’s final.

The match, played under the sweltering New Jersey sun, had all the drama of a cup classic: overturned penalties, last-ditch defending and a rising star delivering when it mattered most.

From Rio to Stamford Bridge, Via New Jersey

There’s a poetic twist in Pedro’s story. The former Brighton striker grew up at Fluminense, the very club he helped knock out on Wednesday. The Brazilian accumalated 29 senior appearances for Fluminese  before making the move to England. Speaking after the match, he offered a mix of pride and apology.

“I know this tournament means a lot to Fluminense,” Pedro told DAZN. “I’m sorry, but I’m a professional now. Chelsea pay me to score goals. That’s what I came here to do.”

And score he did. His first goal came just before half-time — a composed finish that left Fluminense scrambling. His second, a powerful strike on the counter, iced the match and showed why Chelsea splashed the cash to secure his signature.

VAR Drama and Defensive Grit

The scoreboard may have read 2–0, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Blues.

Fluminense were fuming when a first-half penalty — initially awarded for a Trevor Chalobah handball — was chalked off after a VAR review. Replays showed Chalobah’s arm in a natural position, but the reversal left the Brazilian players and fans seething.

Chelsea also had to dig deep at the back. A standout moment saw Marc Cucurella clear off the line after Hercules rounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. That one block proved crucial in keeping the momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favour.

All Eyes on the Final

With the win, Chelsea are now through to the Club World Cup final, where they’ll face the winner of the other semi-final between European champions Real Madrid and PSG. Either way, it’s set to be a heavyweight clash.

For Pedro, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“This will be my first title. It’s special,” he said. “I’ve just arrived, and now I’m about to play in a final.”

From a boy in Brazil to the bright lights of world football, Joao Pedro’s journey is just getting started. And if Wednesday night was any indication, Chelsea fans have plenty to look forward to.

Source:Sabc Sport 

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