⚽️ Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea (Club World Cup, June 20, 2025)

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🏆 Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea: South American Flair Overwhelms Premier League Giants

The clash between Flamengo and Chelsea in the Club World Cup on June 20, 2025, was expected to be a high-intensity showdown between European structure and South American flair. But what unfolded was a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance from Flamengo, who came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 in a stunning encounter.

⚽ First Half: Promise from the Blues

Chelsea started the game brightly. Their pressing was high, their movement coordinated, and their midfield, led by Enzo Fernandez, looked sharp. In the 13th minute, Pedro Neto capitalized on a rare error by Flamengo’s keeper Agustín Rossi to put Chelsea 1-0 up. At that point, the Blues seemed in control.However, things slowly unraveled.

🔁 Tactical Missteps and Flamengo’s Comeback

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca made the bold move of playing Reece James in midfield, leaving Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto too isolated up front. This disrupted Chelsea's balance, allowing Flamengo to grow into the game. By halftime, the warning signs were visible—Chelsea lacked rhythm and composure.Flamengo, meanwhile, stayed calm. In the 62nd minute, they equalized through veteran forward Bruno Henrique, whose header from Gonzalo Plata’s cross left Chelsea stunned. Just moments later, Flamengo struck again from a corner, with Danilo smashing the ball home after poor marking from Chelsea.

🔴 Red Card Drama

Any hope of a Chelsea response was destroyed in the 69th minute when substitute Nicolas Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming on. His reckless challenge on Ayrton Lucas not only reduced Chelsea to 10 men but also handed momentum completely to Flamengo.

⚡ Wallace Yan Seals It

Youngster Wallace Yan, introduced late in the game, made the most of his minutes. In stoppage time, he was on the end of another Plata assist to make it 3-1, finishing off Chelsea’s hopes with style.

📊 What Went Wrong for Chelsea?

• Poor tactical choices: Playing Reece James in midfield disrupted Chelsea's shape.
• Indiscipline: Jackson’s red card was his second in four matches.
• Poor defense on set pieces: Both Flamengo goals came from crosses.

🟨 What Next?

Chelsea now face a must-win game against Espérance de Tunis. A loss could see them crash out early, while Flamengo are now top of Group D and already looking like potential finalists.

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