Flamengo Punish 10-Man Chelsea 3-1 in Club World Cup Group Clash

Last updated: Jun 21, 2025. 6:08 am

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

Flamengo Punish 10-Man Chelsea

Flamengo Punish 10-Man Chelsea 3-1 in Club World Cup Group Clash.
Nicolas Jackson was sent off minutes after coming on as substitute.
Flamengo now top Group D, Chelsea must beat ES Tunis to progress.

Chelsea suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo in their opening FIFA Club World Cup group-stage match on Friday night, after a dramatic second-half collapse and a red card for forward Nicolas Jackson.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the match, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, started brightly for the Blues as Pedro Neto slotted home in the 13th minute to give Enzo Maresca’s side an early lead. However, Chelsea’s composure unraveled in the second half.

Flamengo turned the tide with two quick goals in the 62nd and 65th minutes. Bruno Henrique and Danilo both struck from similar angles at the far post, punishing Chelsea’s defensive lapses. Moments later, Chelsea’s hopes took a further hit when substitute Nicolas Jackson, brought on in the 67th minute, received a straight red card just four minutes later for a reckless studs-up challenge on Lucas Ayrton.

Down to ten men, Chelsea conceded a third goal in the 83rd minute. Wallace Yan tapped in from close range after excellent work by Gonzalo Plata, who registered his second assist of the night and proved to be Flamengo’s standout performer.

The loss leaves Chelsea under pressure to beat African champions ES Tunis in their final group-stage game on Tuesday to stay in the competition. Failure to do so could see them exit early or face Group C leaders Bayern Munich in the next round.

For Flamengo, the win puts them in a commanding position in Group D and strengthens South America’s growing influence in the revamped Club World Cup format.