João Pedro scored both goals as Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to reach the Club World Cup final on Tuesday. The match, played at MetLife Stadium, was emotional for Pedro, who faced the Brazilian team where he started his career.
The 23-year-old forward joined Chelsea from Brighton just six days ago. He scored his first goal in the 18th minute with a well-placed shot. He added another goal early in the second half with a calm finish, securing Chelsea’s place in Sunday’s final.
Despite his strong performance, Pedro chose not to celebrate. After each goal, he raised his hands in a quiet apology toward the Fluminense fans. Though his teammates gathered to celebrate, Pedro only allowed himself a small smile after the second goal.
In a post-match interview, Pedro explained his reaction.
“Fluminense gave me everything. They helped me grow and believed in me,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here. I’m grateful. But this is football. I have to be professional. I feel sorry for them, but I must do my job.”
Pedro made his debut for Chelsea just four days earlier in a 2-1 quarterfinal win over Palmeiras. He had only trained a couple of times with his new teammates before that match. On Tuesday, he was in the starting lineup and made a big impact.
“Today I started, so I had more time to show what I can do,” he said. “I had to score, and I did. The team played well and won, and that’s what matters.”
Pedro’s arrival follows Chelsea’s recent efforts to strengthen their forward line. Last month, the club also signed Liam Delap. These additions aim to fill a gap in attacking options for the team.
Chelsea now await their final opponent, which will be either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid. The second semifinal takes place on Wednesday. The final will be played Sunday, again at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea’s current form reflects their strong performance in the 2024-25 season. Under coach Enzo Maresca, the club finished fourth in the Premier League and lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy. The team is aiming to add another title to their collection with a Club World Cup win.
Pedro’s smooth transition into the squad has impressed both fans and analysts. Scoring two goals so soon after joining a new club shows his ability to adapt quickly. His respect for Fluminense also won praise, showing both professionalism and humility.
With confidence high and a final match ahead, Chelsea is focused on completing their Club World Cup journey on a winning note. Pedro will likely remain a key figure as they chase the trophy.
