João Pedro scored twice on his full debut as Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 to reach the Club World Cup final in New Jersey

Chelsea’s £60 million man Joao Pedro made an explosive full debut on Tuesday night, netting twice to sink Fluminense and book Enzo Maresca’s side a place in the Club World Cup final.

In searing 35°C heat at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the 23-year-old Brazilian forward tormented his boyhood club, scoring in each half as Chelsea claimed a 2-0 victory in the semi-final. The win guarantees the Blues a minimum £22 million payday on top of the £60 million already banked in the tournament.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute after former Chelsea legend Thiago Silva misjudged Pedro Neto’s wicked low cross. João Pedro pounced, curling a composed finish past the keeper. The second, just after the break, was even better — a thunderous strike off the underside of the bar that left the crowd gasping.

It was a clinical performance from Chelsea, who now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final. But it was also a deeply personal night for Pedro, who joined the London club from Brighton this summer and was facing the team he supported growing up.

His teammates rallied around him in celebration, and by full-time, the message was clear: Chelsea’s future attack may well revolve around their new Brazilian spearhead.

While João Pedro stole the spotlight, winger Pedro Neto also dazzled. The Portuguese international’s relentless runs and pinpoint delivery made him a constant menace and a strong contender for player of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Enzo Fernandez controlled midfield with authority, and Marc Cucurella turned in a tireless display, including a vital goal-line clearance to deny Fluminense’s Hercules midway through the second half.

Christopher Nkunku, under growing speculation over his Chelsea future, also impressed, registering multiple shots on target and linking well with Pedro throughout the match. His movement and sharp touches suggested he’s not done at Stamford Bridge just yet.

But Chelsea’s night wasn’t without its blemishes. Moises Caicedo appeared to twist his ankle in stoppage time. He limped off before the final whistle, casting doubt over his availability for the final. Maresca will be sweating on his medical update.

Fluminense may feel hard done by. French referee François Letexier awarded them a first-half penalty after Trevoh Chalobah was judged to have handled in the box, only to overturn the decision after a lengthy VAR review. The Brazilians protested, but the call stood, and from that moment on, Chelsea never looked like letting the game slip away.

The result continues Chelsea’s resurgence under Maresca, who has weathered intense scrutiny since taking over. His decision to rotate heavily earlier in the season now appears shrewd, with his squad peaking at the right time.

This tournament has added seven gruelling fixtures to Chelsea’s calendar, but the reward — both in silverware and finances — could prove transformational. If João Pedro continues this form, so too might the club’s long-term ambitions.

For now, all eyes turn to Sunday’s final. A clash with either European powerhouse will test Chelsea’s mettle, but with their new star firing and belief surging, few would bet against them.