Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was delighted with his two-goal performance as the Blues secured their spot in the final of the FIfA Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Fluminense.
Pedro, 23, joined the Blues in a £60 million deal last week and was immediately thrust into action, making his debut as a substitute in the win over Palmeiras in the competition’s last eight last Saturday.
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The former Brighton forward was rewarded with his first start against his boyhood club on Tuesday, delivering an assured performance to lead his team to victory.
“I think it was a dream first start. I don’t think it could have been better. Two goals, now we have to think about the final. I’m very happy.
I’m happy to score my first goal, but also I know this tournament is very important for [Fluminense]. I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea, they pay me to score goals”, Joao Pedro said after the game.
The 23-year-old opened the scoring with a stunning curler just 18 minutes into his full debut.
Marc Cucurella kept the Blues in the game with a superb goal-line clearance before a penalty decision against them was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee.
Pedro doubled his tally in the second half from a swift counterattack, receiving the ball from Enzo Fernandez and striking a brilliant attempt in off-the-post.
“Now I need to rest and focus on the final. It will be a very important game.
It is going to be my first title as well, a very important and special game. I only came a week ago and I am going to play the final”, he added.
Chelsea will face the winner of the other semifinal clash between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain in the final of the competition, which is scheduled to hold on Sunday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
