Delap Scores First Chelsea Goal as Blues Cruise into Club World Cup Last 16

Liam Delap netted his first goal for Chelsea as the Premier League side sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Tunisian champions Esperance on Tuesday, securing their place in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Played in hot and humid conditions at Lincoln Financial Field, the Group D clash saw Chelsea strike twice in first-half stoppage time through Tosin Adarabioyo and Delap, before substitute Tyrique George added a late third in front of 32,937 spectators.

The win marked a strong response from Enzo Maresca’s side after a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in their previous outing. Chelsea finished second in the group behind the Brazilian side, while Esperance exited the competition.

Reflecting on Delap’s performance, Maresca expressed confidence in the 21-year-old striker, who joined from Ipswich Town this summer. “He had three clear chances against Flamengo, so he’s getting into the right areas. We know Liam will score goals for us. There’s no doubt about that,” the Chelsea manager said.

Maresca made eight changes to the starting line-up following the Flamengo loss, citing the ongoing heatwave in Philadelphia. “It was impossible not to rotate. Playing every three days in these temperatures is just not feasible,” he said.

Despite the heavy squad rotation, Chelsea dominated the match. Enzo Fernandez played a key role in midfield, assisting both first-half goals. His delivery from a free-kick allowed Adarabioyo to head home in the third minute of added time, before he teed up Delap moments later. Delap turned smartly in the box and slotted a low finish past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.

Chelsea thought they had won a penalty in the second half when Andrey Santos’ shot struck the hand of Yassine Meriah, but VAR overturned the decision. Eventually, George sealed the result in added time with a shot that slipped under Ben Said.

Esperance head coach Maher Kanzari praised his side’s effort despite the defeat. “We came up against a top-tier team and were dominated, but we didn’t disgrace ourselves,” he said.

Chelsea now head to Charlotte for a last-16 clash against Portuguese giants Benfica, who topped Group C after defeating Bayern Munich. The match will be the first meeting between the sides since the 2013 Europa League final, which Chelsea won.

“From 32, now we’re in the last 16,” said Maresca. “The next step is to reach the last eight.”