Joao Pedro’s Chelsea journey is off to a flying start, thanks to a dazzling performance at the MetLife Stadium against his former club. João Pedro, on his first start for the Blues, scored both goals in a 2-0 semifinal win over Fluminense.
Pedro needed just 18 minutes to make his mark. The 23-year-old, who joined Chelsea last week from Brighton in a £60 million deal, curled in a stunning opener to put his new side ahead. What made the moment even more poignant was that it came against Fluminense — the very club that nurtured him. Pedro started the move himself, winning possession high up the pitch before linking up with Pedro Neto on the right wing. Neto’s low cross was partially cleared, but only to the edge of the box, where Pedro calmly collected, shifted, and curled a beauty into the top corner past Fluminense’s veteran keeper, Fábio.
His second goal, midway through the second half, was even more eye-catching. Latching onto a perfectly placed ball from Enzo Fernández, Pedro darted down the left flank. He glided past a defender, cut inside with balance and control, and unleashed a venomous strike that rattled the underside of the bar before crashing in. However, there were no wild celebrations. Just a quiet nod and a pair of apologetic hands raised. “They gave everything to me. They showed me to the world,” Pedro said after the match. “I’m very grateful but this is football – I have to be professional. I feel sorry for them, but I have to do my job.”
Pedro’s double was more than enough to take Chelsea through to the final, with Fluminense unable to recover. Despite an impressive run that saw all four Brazilian clubs reach the knockout rounds, the Rio de Janeiro side couldn’t overcome the Premier League giants this time. Their dream ended at the hands of one of their own.
Enzo Maresca’s side now await the winner of the other semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. The final will be held this Sunday, again at MetLife Stadium, giving Chelsea a shot at their second global club title in just a few years. Fresh off a solid 2024–25 season, where they secured fourth place in the Premier League and lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy, Chelsea will fancy their chances.
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