Chelsea secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages with a commanding 3-0 victory over ES Tunis in Philadelphia, a result that capped a turbulent group campaign and set up a tantalising clash with Benfica in the next round. For UK football fans, the match offered a glimpse of Chelsea’s squad depth, tactical flexibility under Enzo Maresca, and the persistent challenges of adapting to international tournament football.
Pre-Match Stakes and Team News
Heading into the final Group D fixture, the equation was simple: Chelsea needed at least a draw to progress, while ES Tunis required a win to keep their hopes alive. Flamengo had already secured top spot, leaving the Blues and the Tunisian champions to battle for the remaining qualification place. Both teams were missing key attacking players due to suspension—Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea and Youcef Belaïli for ES Tunis—forcing managers to shuffle their line-ups.
Enzo Maresca, mindful of the stifling Philadelphia heat and the need to keep his squad fresh, made eight changes to his starting eleven. Filip Jorgensen started in goal behind a back four of Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Josh Acheampong. Romeo Lavia returned to midfield alongside captain Enzo Fernandez, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, and Noni Madueke supported Liam Delap in attack.
First-Half Frustration and the Breakthrough
The opening exchanges saw Chelsea dominate possession, but ES Tunis defended resolutely in a low block, frustrating the Blues’ attempts to break through. The Tunisian side, buoyed by a vocal travelling support, looked to threaten on the counter, with Yan Sasse and Ricardo Rodrigues offering rare moments of danger.
As the first half wore on, Chelsea’s frustration grew, with several promising attacks breaking down in the final third. However, the breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time. Enzo Fernandez delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box, and Tosin Adarabioyo rose highest to head the ball across goal and into the far corner, giving Chelsea a crucial lead.
Barely a minute later, Chelsea doubled their advantage. Liam Delap, leading the line in Jackson’s absence, showed composure under pressure, turning away from two defenders before finishing coolly past ES Tunis goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said for his first Chelsea goal. The double blow just before the interval left the Tunisian champions with a mountain to climb.
Second-Half Control and Late Flourish
With a two-goal cushion, Chelsea controlled the tempo in the second half, managing the game professionally and limiting ES Tunis to speculative efforts. Maresca used the opportunity to introduce fresh faces, handing debuts to Mamadou Sarr and Andrey Santos, and giving Tyrique George a chance to impress from the bench.
ES Tunis, needing three goals to progress, pushed forward but struggled to create clear-cut chances. The Blues’ defensive organisation, anchored by Adarabioyo and Badiashile, ensured Jorgensen had little to do in goal.
In the dying moments, Chelsea added gloss to the scoreline. Substitute Tyrique George capitalised on a goalkeeper error, firing a low drive that proved too powerful for Ben Said, rounding off a 3-0 win and sealing second place in Group D.
Tactical Insights and Standout Performers
Maresca’s decision to rotate his squad paid dividends, with several fringe players seizing their opportunity. Tosin Adarabioyo was named Player of the Match for his commanding display at the back and crucial opening goal. Liam Delap’s first Chelsea goal will boost his confidence, while Enzo Fernandez’s leadership and set-piece delivery were instrumental in breaking down a stubborn ES Tunis defence.
The match also highlighted Chelsea’s ability to adapt tactically. After a disappointing defeat to Flamengo, Maresca reverted to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritising control and attacking width. The approach allowed the Blues to pin ES Tunis back and create sustained pressure, eventually reaping rewards.
ES Tunis: A Brave Effort Falls Short
For ES Tunis, the result marked the end of a spirited Club World Cup campaign. The Tunisian champions had impressed with a hard-fought win over LAFC and showed resilience against Flamengo, but the absence of star man Belaïli was keenly felt against Chelsea. Head coach Maher Kanzari praised his side’s effort and the pride they brought to Tunisian football, but ultimately, the quality and depth of Chelsea’s squad proved decisive.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With the win, Chelsea advanced to face Benfica in the round of 16, a fixture that promises to test Maresca’s side against one of Portugal’s most storied clubs. The Blues will need to build on the positives from their performance against ES Tunis while addressing the lapses that cost them against Flamengo earlier in the group stage.
For supporters, the match offered optimism that Chelsea’s young talents and new signings can rise to the occasion on the world stage. As the Club World Cup knockout rounds approach, the Blues remain in the hunt for silverware and a chance to showcase their progress under Maresca.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over ES Tunis was a professional and timely response to group stage adversity, securing their place in the Club World Cup knockout rounds. With key players returning and squad depth on display, the Blues will look to carry this momentum forward as they chase international glory. For ES Tunis, the campaign ends with pride and valuable experience, while Chelsea’s journey continues—next stop, Benfica.
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