Chelsea vs LAFC: Match review of 2025 FIFA CWC group D opener
Chelsea’s midfielder, Cole Palmer (left) with LAFC forward, Oliver Giroud (right). Photo Credit- DAZN
Chelsea, the reigning UEFA Conference League champions and 2021 Club World Cup winners, entered the tournament with momentum, having won eight of their last nine matches across all competitions. LAFC, meanwhile, qualified via a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Club America in a play-in match, earning their spot after Club Leon’s disqualification for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules. LAFC, fifth in the MLS Western Conference with 26 points from 16 games, boasted Denis Bouanga as their top scorer with 12 goals, while Chelsea’s squad included new signings like Liam Delap (£30 million from Ipswich) and returning loanee Andrey Santos, aiming to build team cohesion.
The match was notable for its historical context, being the first competitive clash between an English Premier League side and an MLS team, with previous encounters limited to friendlies, such as Chelsea’s 3-1 win over LA Aztecs in 1977. However, the atmosphere was subdued, with attendance significantly below capacity. Reports indicated only around 26,000 fans were present in the 71,000-capacity stadium, with the top tier closed and cheapest tickets at $50, attributed to the afternoon kick-off on a Tuesday, when many were working.
Chelsea vs LAFC first half analysis
Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on possession and exploiting the wings. The lineup featured Robert Sanchez in goal, with Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella in defense, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia anchoring midfield, and an attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke supporting striker Nicolas Jackson. From the outset, Chelsea dominated ball control, with Neto and Madueke stretching LAFC’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Neto, receiving the ball on the right, cut inside, and unleashed an “exquisite finish” past Hugo Lloris, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead. This goal, described as a moment of individual brilliance, highlighted Neto’s pace and power, aligning with commentary noting his danger when given space.
LAFC, managed by Steve Cherundolo, adopted a pragmatic 4-3-3, with Lloris in goal, a backline of Sergi Palencia, Aaron Long, Jesús Murillo, and Ryan Hollingshead, and a midfield of Timothy Tillman, Ilie Sánchez, and Mark Delgado supporting forwards Nathan Ordaz, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Denis Bouanga. Their tactic was to mass defensively, looking for transitions and set pieces, but they struggled to create clear chances. Bouanga, LAFC’s star winger, had a notable opportunity when Delgado’s pass was overhit, leading to a goal kick for Chelsea. At halftime, X posts noted LAFC’s focus on defending first, working down the middle, but failing to make good use of set pieces, with one post suggesting they needed more from their No. 9, likely referring to Ordaz or Ebobisse.
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Chelsea vs LAFC second half analysis
The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides. Maresca made two changes at halftime, replacing James and Lavia with Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez, aiming to freshen up the team and add creativity in midfield. LAFC responded by bringing on Olivier Giroud for Ebobisse in the 47th minute, hoping the experienced striker could spark an attack against his former club. Chelsea’s strategy paid dividends when Fernandez, who had been introduced at halftime, scored the second goal, assisted by Liam Delap, who had also come on as a substitute. The goal, a clinical finish, showcased Chelsea’s depth and ability to influence games from the bench, with Delap’s lay-off allowing Fernández to slot home. This moment, likely in the early stages of the second half given the timing, sealed the 2-0 victory.
LAFC had chances at 1-0, with commentary noting they created opportunities but lacked the quality to convert, ultimately undone by Chelsea’s clinical finishing. Giroud, despite his experience, had little impact, aligning with his historical struggle against Chelsea, having scored only once in 16 career matches against them. Chelsea’s high press and quick transitions, particularly through Neto and Madueke, overwhelmed LAFC, who were unable to sustain pressure or break down Chelsea’s solid defense, anchored by Colwill and Adarabioyo.
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Conclusion
Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC was a statement of intent in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing their tactical superiority and depth. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez were standout performers, while Liam Delap’s assist highlighted his potential. For LAFC, the match was a tough lesson against a higher-caliber opponent, but they will need to regroup for their upcoming matches against ES Tunis and Flamengo. The game, while lacking atmosphere due to low attendance, underscored Chelsea’s ambition to progress deep into the tournament, setting a strong foundation in Group D.
