I have to admit, I was eager to see how Chelsea would fare against MLS side LAFC in their first Group D match at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and the Blues did not disappoint. From the first whistle, Chelsea imposed their pace and precision, eventually earning a comfortable win that felt both deserved and, frankly, impressive.
Pedro Neto’s Moment of Magic
In the 34th minute, I saw Pedro Neto carve out the game’s defining moment. After Nicolas Jackson slipped him a perfectly timed pass, Neto executed a brilliant Cruyff turn that left Ryan Hollingshead flat‑footed. Without hesitation, he unleashed a fierce left‑footed shot into the near post, beating Hugo Lloris and sending the Chelsea faithful into a frenzy. That goal wasn’t just about skill—it showed why Chelsea invested £54 million in Neto this summer. I’ve watched many talented wingers over the years, but that blend of quick feet and clinical finishing was something special. (Source: ESPN)
Before Neto’s breakthrough, Chelsea had controlled possession but seemed hesitant in the final third. Noni Madueke squandered a couple of clear chances, and I began to wonder if Chelsea might regret a lack of ruthlessness. Thankfully, Neto’s strike opened the floodgates, and the Blues played with renewed confidence. Despite a few bright moments from LAFC, they couldn’t match Chelsea’s quality or cohesion throughout the first half. (Sources: MLSSoccer, Sports.Yahoo)
Liam Delap Shines on Debut
One of the storylines I was most curious about was new signing Liam Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town for £30 million. Brought on just after the hour mark for Jackson, Delap didn’t waste time making his mark. In the 79th minute, he floated in a perfectly weighted cross that Enzo Fernández met with a composed finish to seal the 2-0 victory.
Watching Delap lead the line with authority, I couldn’t help but feel excited about his potential. He showed excellent positioning, strength in aerial duels, and an eye for the decisive pass—all in under 30 minutes. Manager Enzo Maresca’s post‑match praise felt well earned when he singled out Delap’s quick adaptation to the team’s style. After seeing that cameo, I’m convinced Delap will push for more minutes and perhaps even a starting spot soon. (Source: Telegraph)
LAFC’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
LAFC arrived in Atlanta on a ten‑game unbeaten streak, full of confidence and high spirits. They managed to stay competitive for stretches—especially early on—but the gap in experience and depth eventually told. A worrying moment came in the 38th minute when Nathan Ordaz went down injured after a challenge from Reece James, who was booked for the foul. That loss seemed to sap some of LAFC’s momentum, and they struggled to create clear chances after halftime.
Despite the defeat, LAFC still have two group matches left—against Espérance Tunis in Nashville and Flamengo in Orlando—that can keep their tournament hopes alive. I’ll be following their progress closely, because I believe they have enough quality to bounce back. (Source: Independent)
Sources:
- ESPN.com
- MLSSoccer.com
- Sports.Yahoo.com
- Independent.co.uk
- Telegraph.co.uk
