Flamengo delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2025 Club World Cup so far, overwhelming Chelsea with a second-half masterclass to claim a 3–1 victory in Group D.

It’s not often that European clubs suffer two-goal defeats at the hands of non-European opposition in the Club World Cup — in fact, it had only happened once before. That was 25 years ago, when Vasco da Gama beat Manchester United 3–1. History repeated itself in dramatic fashion.

Early Lead, but Trouble Ahead

The first half belonged to Chelsea. A misplaced pass in midfield by Wesley handed Pedro Neto a golden opportunity, and the Portuguese winger didn’t hesitate. Racing through on goal, he calmly slotted home to give the Blues the lead in the 13th minute — his second goal of the tournament, both times opening the scoring.

But after the break, everything changed. Chelsea began to lose their grip, and Flamengo nearly capitalised when Gonzalo Plata somehow failed to convert from close range, slicing his effort wide with the goal gaping. The warning signs were clear — and they didn’t go unpunished for long.

Flamengo Turn the Game on Its Head

Then came the double blow. Within a matter of minutes, Bruno Henrique and Danilo punished Chelsea’s static defending with two composed finishes, completely flipping the momentum in Flamengo’s favour. Enzo Maresca’s side looked stunned — and things would soon get worse.

Any hopes of a comeback evaporated when substitute Nicolas Jackson — brought on to rescue the situation — was sent off just four minutes after entering the pitch, flying into a reckless challenge that left his teammates down to ten men for the remainder of the match.

Flamengo’s third goal, scored by Yan Wallace in the 83rd minute, sealed the win. The Brazilian forward reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and slotted home with authority. Chelsea, limited to just one shot on target after the break, had no response.

Group Outlook

With six points from two matches, Flamengo now top Group D and are all but through to the knockout stage. Chelsea, meanwhile, face a must-win match against Tunisia’s Espérance on 25 June, while Flamengo take on Los Angeles FC.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Flamengo - Chelsea 3:1 (0:1)
Goals: Pedro Neto, 13 (0:1); Bruno Henrique, 62 (1:1); Danilo, 65 (2:1); Wallace Yan, 83 (3:1)

Flamengo: Rossi A.; Ayrton Lucas; Danilo; Pereira Léo; Pulgar; Wesley (Varela, 82); De Arrascaeta (Bruno Henrique, 56); Jorginho; Gerson (Wallace Yan, 82); Luiz Araújo (Pedro Ab., 91); Plata (Michael, 92)
Bench: Cunha M. Q.; Alex Sandro; Viña; Leo Ortiz; Allan; Araujo Evertton; Juninho dos Santos; Goncalves M.; Everton Soares
Yellow Cards: Gerson 74; Pulgar 85; Plata 91

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Gusto; James R. (Lavia, 64); Colwill; Chalobah; Cucurella; Caicedo M.; Palmer Co. (Guiu Marc, 82); Fernandez E. (Madueke, 83); Delap (Jackson N., 64); Pedro Neto
Bench: Jörgensen F.; Adarabioyo; Anselmino; Acheampong J. K.; Badiashile B.; Sarr; Essugo; Andrey Santos; Dewsbury-Hall; Nkunku; George
Yellow Cards: Caicedo M. 11; Pedro Neto 23; Delap 45
Red cards: Jackson N. 68'