Chelsea suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat to Brazilian giants Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage on Friday night, with a second-half collapse compounded by a costly red card for Nicolas Jackson.
The Blues had taken a 13th-minute lead through Pedro Neto, whose calm finish under the goalkeeper gave Enzo Maresca’s side a deserved early advantage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. But a six-minute implosion in the second half saw Chelsea surrender control.
Flamengo turned the game on its head when substitutes Bruno Henrique and Danilo both struck in quick succession, capitalising on defensive lapses with similar far-post finishes in the 62nd and 65th minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Chelsea just three minutes later. Forward Nicolas Jackson, introduced in the 67th minute in a bid to rescue the match, was sent off within four minutes for a reckless studs-up challenge on Lucas Ayrton.
Referee Ivan Barton had no hesitation in showing a straight red card, leaving the Premier League side a man down.
Flamengo sealed the victory in the 83rd minute as Wallace Yan converted from close range, following another assist from the impressive Gonzalo Plata, who played a hand in two of the night’s goals.
The result leaves Chelsea needing a win over African champions ES Tunis on Tuesday to secure qualification for the last 16. But the defeat also increases the likelihood of a daunting clash with Group C leaders Bayern Munich should they progress.
For Flamengo, the victory puts them firmly in control of Group D, continuing the dominance of South American clubs in the newly expanded Club World Cup format.
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