Flamengo vs Chelsea Preview
- Chelsea to win
- Under 2.5 goals
Group D of the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup throws up a heavyweight clash between Brazilian giants Flamengo and Premier League outfit Chelsea in Philadelphia. Both sides kicked off their campaigns with impressive 2-0 victories and know that a second consecutive win would likely seal top spot in the group and a more favourable path in the knockout stages.
Match News and Current Form
Flamengo entered this tournament on the back of excellent domestic and continental form, and their 2-0 win over Espérance de Tunis in the opening round extended a superb unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions (W7, D2). That result was Flamengo’s fifth consecutive victory, and they managed to keep a clean sheet in each of those games, underlining their defensive solidity as a core strength. Despite their form, they enter this clash as underdogs, largely due to the perceived disparity in squad quality compared to their English opponents.
This match is likely to carry added emotion for Flamengo manager Filipe Luís, who previously played for Chelsea during the 2014/15 season. Although his time at Stamford Bridge was short-lived, he remains well-versed in the tactical rigours of English football and will be eager to earn a statement win against his former club.
Chelsea also began their Club World Cup journey on a winning note, comfortably dispatching LAFC 2-0 in a match that showcased their attacking patience and second-half sharpness. That victory continued an outstanding run of form for the Blues, who have now won nine of their last ten competitive matches (L1), a sequence that included securing a UEFA Conference League title and a top-four Premier League finish.
Manager Enzo Maresca has found an effective blend of youthful flair and tactical maturity, with his side developing a reputation for controlling games and striking after the break. Chelsea have scored seven of their last eight goals in the second half, and their late-game strength could once again prove decisive in a matchup of this magnitude.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Flamengo and Chelsea, although both clubs have recent history against English and Brazilian opposition respectively in the Club World Cup.
Flamengo last faced an English side in the 2019 final, narrowly losing 1-0 to Liverpool after extra time. Prior to that, they famously defeated the Reds 3-0 in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup. Chelsea, meanwhile, defeated Brazilian side Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2021 Club World Cup final, having lost to Corinthians in the same competition back in 2012.
Tactical Insights and Players to Watch
Flamengo’s recent success has been built on a balanced tactical approach—defensively compact and dangerous in transition. Seven clean sheets from their last eight outings demonstrate their ability to frustrate opponents. Their midfield, anchored by experienced campaigners, provides a platform for quick breaks and set-piece threats.
A familiar face in Flamengo colours is Jorginho, who registered an assist in the win over Espérance de Tunis—his first in 32 club appearances. The midfielder was a key part of Chelsea’s squad that won this tournament in 2021, and his knowledge of the Blues’ structure could be valuable. His control in the centre of the pitch will be essential against Chelsea’s energetic midfield trio.
Chelsea, for their part, continue to benefit from the emergence of young talents under Maresca’s watch. Their strength lies in depth and versatility, with various players contributing in different phases of play. Midfielder Enzo Fernández came off the bench to score the clincher against LAFC, making it four goals from his last five club appearances to arrive in the second half—highlighting Chelsea’s tendency to turn the screw late on.
The Blues will be without defender Wesley Fofana, who remains sidelined through a hamstring injury, but are otherwise close to full strength.
Hot Stats and Key Trends
- Flamengo have won five consecutive matches, keeping a clean sheet in each.
- Four of Flamengo’s last five victories were by a margin of two or more goals.
- Chelsea have scored seven of their last eight goals after half-time.
- Only one of Chelsea’s last six matches has seen both teams score.
- Flamengo have conceded just once in their last eight competitive fixtures.
Analysis and Tips
Both sides bring strong defensive records into this contest, and with so much riding on the outcome, it’s likely to be a closely fought battle. Flamengo’s form suggests they won’t roll over easily, even against the odds, while Chelsea’s patience and second-half proficiency could once again be decisive.
For those looking at the markets, under 2.5 goals appears a logical selection given the recent scorelines of both teams. A draw could also be a tempting option considering Chelsea may settle for a point ahead of a likely qualification, while Flamengo will want to avoid defeat and take their chances on matchday three.
Prediction
With both sides in winning form and yet to concede in the competition, expect a tightly contested affair. Chelsea’s superior squad depth and big-game experience might just tilt the balance, but Flamengo’s cohesion and recent resilience ensure this won’t be straightforward.
Predicted score: Flamengo 0-1 Chelsea
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