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Flamengo produced a scintillating second-half performance to beat Chelsea 3-1 and secure qualification to the last 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite Pedro Neto giving Chelsea an early lead in Philadelphia, Bruno Henrique inspired a turnaround, scoring the equaliser and assisting Danilo for the go-ahead goal.
Nicolas Jackson’s red card further hampered Chelsea before Wallace Yan sealed Flamengo’s win in front of a raucous 54,019 crowd.
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Coach Filipe Luis Hails ‘Special Day’
“It was a special day for me and our club,” said Flamengo head coach Filipe Luis. “We knew we would have chances against Chelsea. This team knows how to follow our philosophy and execute it.”
Group D Update: Esperance Eliminate LAFC
Later in Nashville, Esperance of Tunisia beat LAFC 1-0 thanks to a 70th-minute goal from Youcef Belaili, ending the MLS side’s hopes of qualification. Flamengo top Group D with six points, while Chelsea and Esperance, both on three points, will clash for the final knockout spot next Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Bayern 2-1 Boca Juniors: Kane Breaks Deadlock in Tight Encounter
Over in Miami, Bayern Munich edged past Boca Juniors with a 2-1 win to also book their place in the last 16. England captain Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 18th minute, netting his first goal of the tournament. Boca responded with an equaliser in the 66th minute in front of a passionate, mostly Argentine crowd of 63,587 at the Hard Rock Stadium, but Bayern held on for the win.
South American Clubs Continue to Impress
Flamengo’s win follows Botafogo’s stunning upset of PSG, underlining the strength of South American clubs at this year’s competition. Bayern’s win, however, ended a nine-game unbeaten run for Brazilian and Argentinian sides since the start of the tournament.
