Flamengo Completes Comeback Victory Over Chelsea

PHILADELPHIA: Flamengo exhibited a strong second-half showing, overcoming Chelsea with a 3-1 victory in their Group D match. This win secured Flamengo’s advancement to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, in a contest held at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday.

Chelsea initially took the lead in the 13th minute. Pedro Neto converted a midfield turnover into a goal with a left-footed strike past Flamengo’s goalkeeper, Agustin Rossi.

Down 1-0 at the half, Flamengo intensified their offensive efforts after the restart. Bruno Henrique equalized for the Brazilian team in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a header assist from Gonzalo Plata.

Flamengo quickly followed up, scoring again just three minutes later from a corner kick. Henrique delivered a precise pass to Danilo, who scored from close range, putting Flamengo ahead 2-1 in the 65th minute.

Chelsea’s chances for a comeback were hampered when Nicolas Jackson received a red card in the 68th minute, leaving his team with ten players for the rest of the match.

Flamengo solidified their win in the 83rd minute with a third goal by Wallace Yan, assisted once again by Plata. This goal extended Flamengo’s lead and ensured their undefeated status in the tournament.

Chelsea is now set to face ES Tunis on Tuesday in a critical match to advance to the knockout stage. ES Tunis increased their prospects by narrowly defeating LAFC 1-0 in their previous match.

Separately, in Group C, Benfica achieved a decisive 6-0 victory against Auckland City on Friday.

Leandro Barreiro scored two consecutive goals in the 76th and 78th minutes, during a match that experienced a brief weather delay at halftime.