Five things learned from Chelsea 2-0 win over Fluminense.

 Five  takeaways from Chelsea's win over Fluminense.  

Chelsea are through to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup after beating Fluminense 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Joao Pedro handed the Blues the lead on 18 minutes after a really positive start. The Brazilian forward curled one into the top corner from long range and chose not to celebrate out of respect for his former club Fluminense. 

The 23-year-old would have been in dreamland, though, scoring his first goal for the Blues - and in some style.

The Brazilians thought they had a penalty not so long after. 

Trevoh Chalobah was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box but the referee went to the pitchside monitor and overturned his initial decision - much to the relief of Chelsea.

In the second-half, it was a strong start from the Blues and that told when Joao Pedro fired in his second goal of the game. Enzo Fernandez found the Brazilian on the left-hand side on a counter-attack for Chelsea. He then cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a rocket to beat a helpless Fabio in the Fluminense goal.

Now it is all eyes on Real Madrid versus Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow to see who the Blues will face in the final.

Five things learned from the fixture:

1. Maresca's tactical fingerprint is clear:

Chelsea are clearly a solid team under Enzo Maresca. The Blues' progress so far in the Club World Cup is a testament.  

Enzo Maresca's first season in charge of Chelsea:

Finished in the top 4 📈
Won a European trophy 🏆
Reached the CWC final 🌍 pic.twitter.com/COUg8PsIk4

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 9, 2025

Chelsea were compact off the ball, patient with possession, and dynamic in transitions. Every player looked like they had a role, and most importantly, they seemed to understand the system. The build-up from the back was calmer. Fullbacks tucked inside at the right moments. João Pedro's movement off the ball was perfectly timed, and midfielders pressed intelligently instead of chasing shadows.

This wasn’t chaotic football — this was organized chaos with intent. A Maresca blueprint.

 2. Joao Pedro not one for the bench. 

Joao Pedro came in straight from holidays and has had an instant impact on his first Chelsea start. Had a very clinical performance in front of the goal, scoring two beautiful goals that helped Chelsea progress to the final. 

His movement, finishing, and chemistry with teammates were impressive, especially considering it was just his second appearance. Both goals were clean, instinctive striker’s finishes — the kind of chances Chelsea have often wasted in the past.

But beyond the goals, João Pedro brought something Chelsea’s front line has lacked: fluidity. He didn’t just stand between the center-backs — he roamed, linked play, and dropped deep when needed. He was fearless, quick, and clinical.

If he continues like this, Maresca might have just found his go-to man up front.

That should send a message to Liam Delap,  Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku who all compete for the central striking role at Chelsea. That performance is not one that would keep Joao Pedro on the bench. 

John Obi Mikel: "Joao Pedro's starting role is a strong message to Nicolas Jackson." pic.twitter.com/KlGRno3rhY

— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) July 8, 2025

Joao Pedro is a cheat code, man! 

We paid £55m for Joao Pedro and he just earned us £22m in one night. 💥 pic.twitter.com/9VA5iDdXQR

— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) July 8, 2025

3.  Caicedo & Enzo’s Midfield Partnership is Maturing

There were big questions about the price tags of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, but against Fluminense, they looked every bit like a £200 million duo.

Enzo dictated the tempo — spreading play, switching sides, and calming the buildup. Caicedo, on the other hand, was the enforcer — always sniffing out danger, intercepting loose balls, and closing down spaces aggressively.

Their understanding is growing. They covered for each other beautifully when one ventured forward. At one point in the second half, Caicedo’s last-ditch recovery tackle stopped what would’ve been a dangerous Fluminense break.

This game was a reminder that with time and the right manager, these two can be one of the most dominant midfield pairs in Europe.

4. Injuries Still Haunt – Caicedo’s Knock a Worry

Just when things were going smoothly, Chelsea fans were dealt a scare — Caicedo limped off after tweaking his ankle late in the second half. While he managed to walk off on his own, the discomfort was visible, and Maresca didn’t take any chances.

It’s a reminder of how thin Chelsea’s squad can still feel in some areas. With the final just around the corner, all eyes will be on the medical report. Losing Caicedo for the final — or worse, long-term — would be a major blow.

The club must now balance momentum and caution, especially with a packed fixture schedule ahead.

Meanwhile,  Caicedo made a post on his Instagram after the win over Fluminense. The caption read: "See you on Sunday Blues."

Of course, that is a positive sign that the issue is not serious and Caicedo is hoping to play in the final. Enzo Maresca did not sound overly concerned after the game either, as he had said while speaking to DAZN:

"I told him that he has to do everything to be on the pitch on Sunday so we will see."

Of course, neither of those is a guarantee that Caicedo will be fit enough to play in the final. But at least they are positive signs that the injury is not as serious as most had feared.

Lastly, 

5. This Win Feels Like the Start of a New Chapter

Yes, it’s “just” the Club World Cup. But for a team that has been mocked, doubted, and questioned for the past two seasons, this matters. This win wasn’t just about a place in the final — it was about restoring belief.

Under Maresca, the team finally looks like it has an identity. Players seem less tense, more expressive. There’s energy on the touchline, clarity in movement, and growing chemistry between units. That hasn’t existed since the early Tuchel days.

And with João Pedro firing, Enzo dictating, Silva still solid, and Maresca showing tactical awareness, fans have a reason to hope again.

What’s Next?

Chelsea now face [insert final opponent here if confirmed] in the Club World Cup final. Can Maresca lead the Blues to his first trophy in style?

And more importantly — is this the beginning of Chelsea’s bounce back?

💬 Your Turn:

What impressed you most about the win over Fluminense?

Do you think João Pedro should start the final?

And how confident are you in Maresca’s long-term vision?

Drop your thoughts below! 👇