Pedro Neto scored within the first half and Enzo Fernandez within the 79th minute to present Chelsea a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Group D’s Membership World Cup opener on Monday.
Chelsea put stress on LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris early into the match. Neto discovered the breakthrough within the thirty fourth minute, choosing up a go from Nicolas Jackson and reducing onto his left foot for a near-post end.
There have been 22,137 followers in attendance on the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a lot of them backing LAFC. The Black and Gold had constructive sparks of power and possession all through the primary half, however struggled to seek out any actual alternatives in entrance of purpose.
LAFC virtually acquired one again simply earlier than the 60-minute mark, however Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez got here up with an vital save to maintain Denis Bouanga off the scoresheet. The Black and Gold aimed to get some extra expertise onto the pitch on the half, bringing on former Chelsea man Olivier Giroud, to no avail.
Coming in off the bench, Fernández made no mistake ending Liam Delap’s cross, including one other tally to the scoresheet for The Blues.
Chelsea’s day was made much more constructive by the debut of Delap, a promising 22-year-old English striker signed from Ipswich City.
Whereas Chelsea is the favourite to high Group D, LAFC’s subsequent two matches change into important to transferring on to the knock-out rounds. LAFC vs. Flamengo will show to be an entertaining sport, with the 2 sides probably battling it out for the group’s second spot.
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