Pedro double sends Chelsea to Club World Cup final
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.: Joao Pedro made a dream debut for Chelsea on Tuesday, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Fluminense to secure the Blues a place in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward, who joined from Brighton for £60 million last week, struck in each half to down his boyhood club in scorching New Jersey conditions.
Pedro opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a stunning curling strike, before sealing the result early in the second half with a clinical finish on the break. The win puts Chelsea into Sunday’s final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Enzo Maresca praised Pedro and his squad: “We knew with Joao Pedro that we have a player that is able to do what he has just done. It’s been a fantastic season — top four in the league, a Conference League title, and now a Club World Cup final.”
Despite the oppressive heat, which soared past 35°C with high humidity, Chelsea dominated from the outset against a defensively-minded Fluminense. The Brazilian side sat deep and looked to hit on the counter, but were outclassed by the Premier League giants.
