Chelsea cruised past Esperance Tunis by three (3) goals to zero (0) in their last Group D match in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at Lincoln Financial Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday 25 June, 2025.
Liam Delap found the back of the net for the first time for Chelsea as the Premier League side qualified for the round of 16 of the tournament with a beautiful win over their Tunisian opponents.
The former Tractor Boys forward scored just moments after defender Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time of their final Group D clash.
Tyrique George scored a third for Enzo Maresca’s Blues in the 7th minute of additional time after Chelsea had a penalty awarded for handball struck out by VAR.
The outcome means the London-based club will now face Benfica – shocking winners of Group C ahead of German Bundesliga side, Bayern Munich, – in the next round of the tournament in Charlotte on Saturday.
With Senegalese forward, Nicolas Jackson, suspended, the 22-year-old was one of just three players to retain his place as manager Enzo Maresca stuck to his decision to rotate his side on what was a hot and sticky night in Pennsylvania, with the temperature still 33C when the game started.
The Blues were awarded a penalty kick when an Andrey Santos effort from distance hit the arm of Meriah. It looked like a unnecessary decision but there was a long delay, with Christopher Nkunku who stood over the ball waiting to take it, before the referee’s attention was drawn over the monitor and the decision was changed.
Delap told chelseafc.com: “Obviously it is a really happy feeling and hopefully it is the first of many.
“I spoke to Enzo [Fernandez] and he told me when he gets the ball to just run. It was a great pass and luckily it went in.
“I love playing football and to play for such a good team is a great feeling.
“We had to win to get through and we are all happy we are into the next stage.”
Photo: Liam Delap celebrates goal for Chelsea with teammate
