Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 05:21 pm
Flamengo overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their Club World Cup Group D clash in Philadelphia on Friday, with second-half goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Wallace Yan securing the Brazilian side's second consecutive win in the tournament.
Pedro Neto's early strike had put Chelsea ahead, but the Premier League side squandered several opportunities to extend its lead, allowing Flamengo to stage a stirring comeback.
The result leaves Flamengo on top of Group D with six points from two matches, while Chelsea remain second with three. A win or a draw for Esperance de Tunis against LAFC in the group's other game later in the day would secure Flamengo's place in the knockout rounds.
Chelsea play Esperance in their final group game on Tuesday.
The Brazilians scored two goals in quick succession through Henrique and Danilo, in the 62nd and 65th minutes, which was followed by Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson being shown a straight red for a studs-up challenge three minutes later.
Flamengo, coached by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luís and featuring former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, wrapped up the victory with Yan's strike in the 83rd minute.
Flamengo's win is the second time a South American team has defeated a European team by multiple goals in a FIFA international club competition and the first since Vasco da Gama's 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2000 per ESPN Research.
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The club from Rio de Janeiro began brightly, pressing Chelsea high and forcing defensive errors, but they failed to capitalise on early chances as Luiz Araujo, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Ayrton Lucas were denied by Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez.
However, Chelsea struck first in the 13th minute after Flamengo fullback Wesley sliced a clearance attempt and lost his footing, gifting the ball to Neto. The Portuguese winger raced unmarked into the box and slotted a composed finish past Agustin Rossi to give Chelsea the lead.
The goal shifted momentum, with Chelsea dominating possession and creating further chances. Malo Gusto and Liam Delap had efforts saved by Rossi. Flamengo also had a great chance, with Enzo Fernández clearing a Gerson volley off the line just before halftime.
Chelsea also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when Fernández appeared to be held in the box.
Flamengo, however, roared back into contention after the break. Henrique, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact in the 62nd minute. Gerson's cross found Gonzalo Plata at the far post, whose clever header set up Henrique for a simple tap-in to equalise.
Just three minutes later, Flamengo took the lead from a corner. Henrique rose highest to head the ball back across the box, where Danilo pounced to fire home from close range.
Chelsea's troubles deepened when Jackson, who had just come off the bench, was sent off in the 68th minute for a reckless challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
Flamengo sealed the victory when Yan, another substitute, slotted home a rebound after a surging run from the right by Plata.
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this report.
