Christopher Nkunku defends ball in Chelsea vs Esperance FC match
Chelsea secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Tunisian champions Esperance, advancing to the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George sealed the victory for the Blues in the sweltering heat at Lincoln Financial Field.
Chelsea dominated the match, despite only needing a draw to advance.
They took control with two goals in first-half stoppage time: Tosin Adarabioyo’s header from an Enzo Fernandez free-kick, followed by Liam Delap’s clinical finish.
Tyrique George sealed the 3-0 win with a shot in added time that slipped past Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
The Blues bounced back from last Friday’s 3-1 loss to Flamengo with a convincing 3-0 win over Esperance, securing second place in Group D.
The Brazilian side topped the group, while Esperance’s loss meant elimination from the tournament.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, made eight changes to the lineup, giving fringe players like 19-year-old Josh Acheampong a chance to shine.
Acheampong impressed at right-back, while Enzo Fernandez, one of the few starters retained, and played a crucial role in the first-half goals.
Chelsea will face Benfica in their next match, scheduled for Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This matchup is a rematch of the 2013 Europa League final, which Chelsea won.
Benfica topped Group C after defeating Bayern Munich.
The winner of this match will advance to face either Palmeiras or Botafogo in the quarterfinals.
Chelsea dominated the match despite the heat, although Esperance had a momentary reprieve when a late penalty decision was overturned by VAR.
The incident occurred when substitute Andrey Santos’ shot touched a defender’s arm, initially resulting in a penalty call, but the referee reversed the decision after VAR review.
With temperatures nearing 30°C (86°F), both teams struggled with the conditions, but Chelsea’s depth proved decisive.
The Blues will now shift focus to Benfica, aiming to continue their Club World Cup journey.
PM/VPO
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