Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. While goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed the win, the match was overshadowed by remarkably low attendance, raising questions about the tournament’s scheduling and appeal.
The scoreline saw Chelsea secure three points in Group D thanks to Neto’s opener in the 34th minute and Fernández doubling the lead in the 79th. However, only 22,137 fans were present in the massive venue, which boasts a capacity of around 75,000. Vast sections of the stadium were empty, with upper tiers visibly shut off – a stark contrast to previous football events held in the city.
Attendance Concerns Overshadow Match
The sparse crowd was the dominant talking point, particularly given Atlanta’s reputation as a significant football hub in the US. The low turnout was attributed to several factors, including the unusual 3 pm Monday afternoon kickoff time. This scheduling decision likely made it difficult for many potential spectators to attend, despite ticket prices reportedly tumbling before the game.
The appeal of the opposition may also have played a role. While Chelsea is a major European club, facing LAFC – described as limited MLS opposition from across the country and participating only after Club León’s rule breach – arguably lacked the draw of a Premier League clash. This contrasts sharply with the strong support Atlanta United enjoys, averaging close to 45,000 fans for their MLS fixtures at the same stadium last season, and the over 70,000 who turned up for a Chelsea friendly against Newcastle United just two years prior. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca himself noted the difficulty of playing in such a “strange environment.”
Delap’s Impressive Chelsea Debut
On the pitch, Chelsea delivered a professional performance, particularly after subs came on. Enzo Maresca selected a familiar starting lineup, but fatigue from a demanding previous season appeared evident early on, with concerns noted for players like Reece James and Roméo Lavia, who were replaced by Fernández and Malo Gusto at half-time.
Chelsea dominated possession throughout the first half and pressured LAFC high up the pitch. Nicolas Jackson, starting up front, proved too much for the LAFC defence with his blend of pace, power, and intelligent link-up play. Despite missing a good headed chance later in the game, Jackson was instrumental in breaking the deadlock. He dropped deep to receive the ball before spraying a perfectly weighted reverse pass down the right flank for Pedro Neto. The Portugal international expertly beat the offside trap, cut inside onto his left foot, and finished low past LAFC’s veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had previously been forced into saves by Jackson and Noni Madueke.
The match became largely forgettable for a period, with LAFC having brief moments of pressure after substitutes were introduced, including former Blue Olivier Giroud. However, the contest sparked into life midway through the second half with the introduction of Liam Delap.
Making his Chelsea debut after joining from Ipswich for £30 million and taking the significant No. 9 shirt, the 22-year-old striker immediately showed intent. Delap displayed bustling form and powerful running, troubling the LAFC defence down the right flank. His impactful cameo culminated in the decisive second goal in the 79th minute. Delap hung a well-placed ball into the box, finding Enzo Fernández arriving late to tap it home from close range, securing the 2-0 win.
Maresca highlighted the importance of competition in attack, noting that Delap’s arrival adds valuable depth and rivalry for starting spots, which the team needed after relying heavily on Jackson last season.
Despite some late worries, such as Moisés Caicedo going down with cramp, Chelsea saw out the victory. While the match lacked atmosphere due to the sparse attendance, the functional performance and the promising debut of Liam Delap offered positives for Chelsea as they look ahead in the tournament. The potential to pocket $2 million (£1.47m) per group-stage victory provides a clear financial incentive for clubs navigating the tournament’s logistical challenges.
Chelsea’s next fixture in the Club World Cup is against Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday.