Enzo Maresca satisfied with Chelsea's opening win in Club World Cup

In June 2025, Chelsea initiated their Club World Cup campaign in the United States with a match against LAFC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite a low turnout of only 22,137 spectators in a stadium with a capacity of over 71,000, Chelsea managed to secure a 2-0 victory. The match took place after the conclusion of the European football season, creating a challenging environment for attendance due to competing events in the region. Pedro Neto scored the first goal at the 34-minute mark, followed by a contribution from Enzo Fernandez after a cross from summer signing Liam Delap. Both players' performances were pivotal in the match's outcome, showcasing Chelsea's strength and depth of talent in their roster. In addition to the game, early broadcasting statistics suggest a favorable reception at home, with an average audience of 1.4 million viewers tuning in on Channel 5, despite the poor in-ground attendance which posed a concern for FIFA's image. Chelsea’s management, including Coach Enzo Maresca, expressed optimism regarding the viewership, indicating a potential shift in the perception of the Club World Cup. Maresca pointed out the importance of preparing for their next match against Flamengo, emphasizing the need for recovery and strategic focus. The match was scrutinized not only for the spectator turnout but also for the overall quality of play, particularly by LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who criticized the competition structure and expressed a desire for its elimination. This indicated a larger debate regarding the relevance and organization of international club competitions. As Chelsea progressed in the tournament, concerns about attendance at significant sporting events, particularly in non-European locations, continued to surface, making this match a pivotal moment for both the club and the broader sporting landscape. Overall, while Chelsea displayed a commendable performance, the implications of attendance numbers and international competition formats brought forth important discussions about the future of the Club World Cup and its positioning within the global football community.