South America continues to teach European clubs a lesson

This was supposed to be the night Chelsea stood up to assert their European credentials, ending an eight-match winless streak for Premier League representatives against South American football at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. But instead of rewriting history, “The Blues” burned themselves out on a rainy night in Philadelphia, with a comprehensive 1-3 defeat to Flamengo - where Bruno Henrique lit the flame of victory for the Brazilian team, leaving Chelsea with only ashes, chaos and the sting of a red card.

Pedro Neto has once again given hope to the London team. The Portuguese winger is perhaps the only bright spot left for Chelsea in this tournament.

After scoring and being honored in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC on June 17, Neto continued to explode at Lincoln Financial Field in the early morning of June 21. He took advantage of Wesley's elementary mistake to run down goalkeeper Agustin Rossi and coolly open the scoring. But Chelsea could only live in that short moment - because ahead of them was the red whirlwind from Rio de Janeiro.

Filipe Luis, a former defender who has fought in La Liga and the Premier League, has now breathed life into Flamengo with discipline, passion and an indomitable spirit. The Brazilians started confidently, holding the ball firmly and pressing from the start, despite lacking a true centre-forward. The absence of Pedro meant Gonzalo Plata and De Arrascaeta were forced to play out of position, but their mobility and fighting spirit were something Chelsea lacked.

If Pedro Neto was the storm eagle for an attacking Chelsea, Reece James and Enzo Fernandez were the faces of a midfield that had lost its way. The highly-anticipated duo failed to make a significant impact. The Blues’ defense was like a torn net – wherever there was a gap, Flamengo exploited it. Especially on the right flank, where Neto provided absolutely no defensive support, leaving Cucurella alone to fend off Wesley’s constant advances.

Bruno Henrique exploded against Chelsea.

And then, Bruno Henrique appeared - like a knife piercing straight into Chelsea's softest part. In the 62nd minute, he rushed in to receive a cross from Gonzalo Plata, unleashing a powerful shot that went past Robert Sanchez. Three minutes later, Henrique also created an assist for Danilo, in an unmarked position, to easily tap the ball in to make it 2-1. Everything happened so quickly, but it was not surprising - because the signs of a breakdown were evident from the first minutes of the second half.

However, Chelsea's endgame was not limited to two goals. Enzo Maresca sent on Nicolas Jackson as a last-ditch gamble, but just four minutes later, the Senegalese was sent off for a dangerous tackle. It was Jackson's second red card in three games - a number that exposed the lack of control both mentally and tactically within Chelsea.

Young talent Wallace Yan's goal to seal the 3-1 victory was just the last straw. Flamengo did not win by tactics alone, they won by spirit. They did not have Pedro, did not need expensive stars, but they possessed the traditional South American spirit: tenacious, sharp and devoted.

The defeat was not only a blow to Chelsea's ambitions, but also a reminder to European football that the Club World Cup is no longer a one-sided affair. When South American teams take to the pitch with national pride and little-known names, they can still melt the Premier League giants with their fiery football.

Chelsea now need to beat Esperance de Tunis on their final day if they are to have any hope of progressing. But with an unstable squad, a porous defence and a fragile mentality, they need more than a win - they need to find their feet.

And Flamengo? They have one foot in the last 16. And if anyone still thinks South American teams are too light, just look at the game in Philadelphia – where Europe bowed.

Second shock at FIFA Club World Cup In the early morning of June 21, Chelsea lost 1-3 to Flamengo in the group stage of FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/nam-my-tiep-tuc-day-cho-cac-clb-chau-au-bai-hoc-post1562563.html