Chelsea edges out LAFC in tense CWC clash
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez were both on target but Chelsea was far from convincing in a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC to start its Club World Cup campaign.
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both went close for Enzo Maresca's side in their Group D opener, before the Senegal striker teed up Neto's fine finish after 34 minutes in Atlanta.
A reverse pass down the right from Jackson released Neto, who then left LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead on the floor with a cute turn before blasting low past former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
LAFC had its chances to start the second half, however, as David Martinez skewed off target before Robert Sanchez denied Denis Bouanga's fizzing effort.
Timothy Tillman also drilled narrowly wide before Liam Delap, making his Chelsea debut off the bench, whipped in for fellow substitute Fernandez to touch down and fire home from close range in the 79th minute.
Bouanga again went close in response before Neto's late strike brushed the crossbar as Chelsea saw out an expected victory that tees them up well for an enticing meeting with Brazilian giants Flamengo on Friday.
