The FIFA Club World Cup continues to showcase the contrast between European precision and Latin flair. After Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo stunned PSG, another Brazilian side, Flamengo, delivered a blow to European giants Chelsea with a historic 3-1 victory.
This win was particularly significant for São Paulo clubs, as it marked the first time in 33 years a team from the Brazilian city defeated a European opponent the last being São Paulo FC’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the 1992 Intercontinental Cup.
Brazilian club Won by 3-1
The match, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, saw Chelsea take an early lead through Pedro Neto’s 13th-minute goal. But the second half belonged to Flamengo. Bruno Henrique, Danilo, and Wallace Yan each found the net, flipping the momentum and sealing a memorable win. The Brazilian club enjoyed strong crowd support, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Flamengo controlled 52% of possession and fired 13 shots, nine of which were on target. Chelsea, despite having nearly equal possession, managed just four shots on target from 11 attempts. Their situation worsened in the 68th minute when forward Nicholas Jackson was sent off after a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
With two wins from two matches, Flamengo now tops Group D with six points, inching closer to the knockout stage. Chelsea, with three points, must beat ES Tunis in their final group match to stay in the tournament.
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FAQ
1. How did Flamengo manage to overturn Chelsea’s early lead?
Chelsea took an early lead through Pedro Neto in the 13th minute, but Flamengo staged a strong second-half comeback with goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo, and Wallace Yan, capitalizing on Chelsea’s red card and sustained pressure to win 3-1.
2. What impact did the red card have on the match?
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 68th minute for a dangerous tackle, reducing Chelsea to 10 men and significantly weakening their defense, which Flamengo exploited to score two late goals and secure the victory.
3. What does this result mean for Flamengo’s position in the tournament?
Flamengo’s win put them atop Group D with six points from two matches, making them the first team to qualify for the knockout stage. Chelsea, with three points, must win their final group match to keep their hopes alive.