Blues Overcome Scorching Conditions and Stubborn Tunisian Defense to Secure Knockout Spot
Philadelphia, PA – Chelsea put their opening defeat to Flamengo behind them with a commanding 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis at Lincoln Financial Field, booking their place in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16. The Blues’ defense continued its impressive form, recording a clean sheet for the fifth time in their last six wins.
On a sweltering day in Philadelphia—the city’s hottest since 1994—a rotated Chelsea side, missing key players Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, initially struggled to break down a resolute Esperance backline. The North African champions, perhaps more accustomed to the heat, looked lively in attack but failed to create clear chances in a tense first half.
Liam Delap forced the first save from Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said, but the breakthrough came in stoppage time when Tosin Adarabioyo powered home a header from Enzo Fernández’s pinpoint delivery. The goal was a deserved reward for Chelsea’s persistence, with set-pieces proving their most dangerous weapon.
Just moments later, Delap doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance, shrugging off defenders before slotting home his first goal for the club. The double blow before halftime deflated Esperance, who had only seen both teams score in two of their last 14 matches.
The second half was a quieter affair, with Chelsea controlling possession but struggling to add to their lead. Fernández and Christopher Nkunku missed chances, while Noni Madueke’s effort whistled just wide. Manager Enzo Maresca made several substitutions to preserve energy for the knockout stages, but there was still time for substitute Tyrique George to add a third in stoppage time, his long-range strike slipping through Ben Said’s grasp.
With the win, Chelsea advance to face Benfica in the last 16, while Esperance exit the tournament after suffering their sixth defeat in nine Club World Cup appearances. The Blues will hope to carry their defensive solidity and growing momentum into the next round.
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