Chelsea sailed into the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 with a convincing win over Espérance de Tunis by three goals at Lincoln Financial Field, reacting positively to their match loss against Flamengo.
In spite of the sweltering weather in Philadelphia and the absence of important attackers such as Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, Chelsea still prevailed after a slow start and then gradually took control.
The first half was very tight with very few opportunities until the extra time when Tosin Adarabioyo decided the game by turning in a header at the far post from an Enzo Fernández corner.
That goal, however, was the real game-changer that affected the energy. A few seconds later, Liam Delap gave a majestic solo effort to double the score, pushing and dribbling past the defense before calmly finishing his first goal for the Blues. That made it almost impossible for Les Aiglons, who have rarely managed to turn things around after going a goal down—they have only been able to do so in two of their last 14 games.
During the second half, Chelsea controlled the game and Enzo Maresca made some changes to save energy. Tyrique George, a substitute, completed the score at the end of the match by firing a long shot that sneaked in past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Saïd.
In the next round, Chelsea take on Benfica, whereas Espérance are already out after yet another early exit.
