Chelsea Power Past ES Tunis and March Into Knockouts
When Chelsea took on ES Tunis in Philadelphia for their last FIFA Club World Cup Group D game, the odds strongly favored the Blues. Still, the way they swept aside their Tunisian opponents to grab a 3-0 win shows a team with genuine hunger and tactical discipline. Three different players — Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George — all made the scoresheet. For Chelsea fans, this wasn't just a victory; it was the sort of authoritative performance they've been craving.
The match started with Chelsea in full control, bossing possession and probing for openings. ES Tunis looked well-drilled but rarely ventured forward with any conviction. Their attacking moments were fleeting and often sputtered out before reaching Chelsea's third. If there were nerves from their previous 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, Chelsea hid them well with crisp passing and energy in midfield.
Adarabioyo, one of Chelsea's more reliable defenders this season, got Chelsea's critical first breakthrough right before halftime. He rose higher than anyone else to nod in a well-delivered set-piece, setting the tone for the second half. It was a classic defender's goal — a big man up from the back, making his presence felt when it mattered.
Liam Delap Gets Off the Mark, Tyrique George Seals It
Moments after Adarabioyo’s opener, Liam Delap doubled the lead. The young forward, who joined Chelsea in a high-profile £30 million move from Ipswich Town, wasted no time making his mark. When a loose ball bounced invitingly inside the ES Tunis box, Delap reacted sharpest, poking it home and celebrating his first goal in Chelsea blue. After all the hype around his signing, this was exactly the confidence boost he needed at a crucial moment of the season.
With Chelsea now two to the good, the game settled into an even more pronounced pattern. Manager Enzo Maresca, knowing his team had a packed schedule, rotated heavily. Big hitters like Cole Palmer and shot-stopper Robert Sánchez got valuable rest, but Chelsea’s makeshift lineup didn’t miss a beat. Meanwhile, striker Nicolas Jackson sat out his second and final game of suspension following that hot-headed red card against Flamengo.
ES Tunis couldn’t manage a single shot that seriously threatened Chelsea’s goal. As they tried to find a way back, Chelsea's backline — led by the ever-composed Adarabioyo — kept them at arm's length. Then, in added time, substitute Tyrique George capped things off. Picking up the ball near the edge of the box, he let fly with a precise effort that tucked neatly into the corner. At that point, it was clear the night belonged to Chelsea.
The final whistle left Chelsea on six points, placing them second in Group D behind Flamengo, who managed seven. ES Tunis bowed out with three points, and LAFC’s tournament was done with just a single draw to show for their efforts.
- Chelsea will now gear up for a tough knockout test, facing Group C winners Benfica in just a few days.
- Group D toppers Flamengo face a heavyweight clash against Bayern Munich, raising the temperature for the knockout phase.
For Chelsea, this result wasn't just about progression — it was about momentum. They looked sharp, organized, and ready for the bigger battles on the horizon at this year’s Club World Cup.
