PHILADELPHIA — Chelsea celebrated a commanding 3-0 victory over Esperance in a Club World Cup match on Tuesday night, securing their advance to the round of 16 with style. Striking his first goal for Chelsea, Liam Delap capitalized on a performance brimming with energy and contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Tosin Adarabioyo found the net initially with a precise header, converting Enzo Fernández’s deft free kick in first-half stoppage time. Just moments after, Delap, maneuvering skillfully around defender Yassine Meriah, netted his debut goal for the team, skillfully slipping it past Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said following a sharp pass from Fernández.
As the game edged towards its conclusion, Tyrique George added to Chelsea’s tally with a powerful shot from outside the box in the late stages of stoppage time, which slipped through Ben Said’s gloves, sealing the team’s convincing win.
Amid a heatwave, the match drew an enthusiastic crowd of 32,967 at Lincoln Financial Field, with hydration breaks necessary to combat the sweltering 90-degree conditions.
Chelsea now boasts six points, trailing Group D’s leader Flamengo by just one point. This sets them up for a face-off with Benfica in Charlotte, North Carolina, this Saturday in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Esperance took a third-place spot in Group D, marking their exit from the tournament.
Reflecting on his performance, Liam Delap expressed his joy, saying, “Joining a club of this caliber and scoring my first goal is immensely fulfilling. Every goal holds its place, but this one is particularly special.”
On the other hand, Esperance’s Mohamed Wael Derbali noted the unwavering support from fans, stating, “Wherever we go, our supporters follow. The passion surrounding Esperance is tremendous.”