Joao Pedro fires Chelsea into Club World Cup final with brilliant brace on first start for Blues
Updated 09/07/2025 at 12:02 GMT+1
Joao Pedro delivered two brilliant goals on his first start for Chelsea just a week after signing from Brighton, firing The Blues into the final of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Fluminense. Pedro started against his boyhood club and inspired Enzo Maresca's UEFA Conference League winners into Sunday's showpiece match in the United States.
'Finals aren't for playing, they're for winning' - Chelsea eye CWC trophy after Pedro debut heroics
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Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 to reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, with new signing Joao Pedro scoring twice on his first start for the club.
Pedro, who only signed for The Blues last week, made his debut in the 2-1 victory against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
It took him just 18 minutes to open the scoring with a curling effort into the top corner, and in the second half, he doubled his tally with a stunning strike off the underside of the crossbar.
Pedro started on Tuesday against his boyhood club and already quickly began repaying his £55 million transfer fee as he rocketed Enzo Maresca's Chelsea into the final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
"I think it was a dream," the 23-year-old said. "I don't think it could have been better. Two goals. Now we need to think about the final. I am very happy to score two goals today.
"I am happy to score my first goal for Chelsea but also I know this tournament is very important for Fluminense. I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals and today I was happy to score."
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Liam Delap was unavailable due to suspension and opened the door for Pedro to start against the Brazilian side, and he took his chance in masterful fashion.
"He [Maresca] just said to me to play the same as I did in the last game," Pedro said.
"Because I had more time to do my stuff, I was happy to score, the team won, the team played well and that is important.
"I try to improve every session, but I know it is hard. They helped me as well. Now I need to rest, focus on the final because I think it will be a very important game."
Chelsea will have to wait for Wednesday's second semi-final between UEFA Champions League winners PSG and Spanish giants Real to find out who they will face in the final.
For Pedro, a win against either opponent will mean his first title. But given the upward trajectory that Maresca has his side on, it will very likely not be his last chance to pick up some silverware.
"It would be my first title as well. I think it will be a very important game, a very special game," Pedro added.
"I came one week ago and now I am going to play a final. I am very happy. The team have been very welcoming to me, and now we need to move forward."
Maresca was full of praise for his team's performance, calling it a "fantastic season" as they gave themselves the chance to pick up their second trophy of the year.
"It is a great achievement," the Chelsea manager said. "It has been a fantastic season; top four in the Premier League, Conference League and now in the final of this competition. We are so, so happy."
The Italian was not surprised by Pedro's goalscoring, but added that the team just need to get the likes of Pedro and Jackson into positions where they can score consistently.
"We know that we have players that are able to do that, and we know we have to help them get in situations where they can do that, and we know Joao can do this."
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Joao Pedro celebrates his first goal as Chelsea reached the Club World Cup final
Image credit: Getty Images
The striker departed the pitch on the hour mark, making way for Nicolas Jackson
"Nicolas is our player. He is a striker. He played almost all the games last season. Now Joao started today but yes, he was OK," Maresca added.
After clinching a top four place in the league and hoisting the UEFA Conference League, winning the Club World Cup would cap off an excellent season for Chelsea in which they were expected to struggle.
Maresca will now savour the moment, regardless of whether PSG or Real win and play his side this weekend.
"They are both top teams. One won the Champions League this season, the other one last season. They are top teams but we are proud and we are happy to be there."
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