A much-changed Chelsea side stepped up when it mattered, cruising to a composed 3-0 win over Esperance de Tunis to seal their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16.
With key players rested and rotation taking centre stage, it was Chelsea’s fringe names who delivered in decisive fashion. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Tyrique George capped a performance defined by patience, control, and late clinical edge.
Enzo Maresca’s side entered the clash needing a win to ensure progression, and while the first half offered plenty of possession but little penetration, they struck at the perfect time. Adarabioyo rose highest in first-half stoppage time to nod home from a corner, easing growing tension among the Chelsea bench.
Just moments later, Delap, signed for £30 million from Ipswich, made amends for two earlier missed chances. The young striker capitalised on a defensive lapse, turned his marker inside the box, and slotted in his first goal in Chelsea blue.
The second half was more controlled than explosive, with Chelsea happy to sit on their lead and manage the tempo. Esperance, spirited but ultimately outclassed, found no way through a disciplined back line anchored by Adarabioyo.
Deep in stoppage time, substitute Tyrique George added gloss to the scoreline with a composed finish from the edge of the area, sealing Chelsea’s second win of the group and second place behind Flamengo.
LAFC and Esperance both bow out, with LAFC managing just one point from three games. Chelsea now turn their attention to Group C winners Benfica in Saturday’s last-16 tie in Charlotte, without the suspended Nicolas Jackson.
While the result may not send shockwaves, it was a performance that showed Chelsea’s depth is quietly growing under Maresca.
