ES Tunis vs Chelsea was faced off under the sweltering heat of a humid Philadelphia evening, Chelsea secured their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over ES Tunis.
A quickfire double just before halftime, with the help of Tosin Adarabioyo and debutant Liam Delap, sealed the win before substitute Tyrique George added a late third to cap off a dominant performance.
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A Slow Start in the Searing Heat
From the first whistle, it was clear that the oppressive conditions at Lincoln Financial Field would play a role in the match. With temperatures still hovering around 36°C (97°F) due to stifling humidity, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes to his starting lineup, resting key players like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Moises Caicedo.
The reshuffled side struggled to find rhythm early on. Passes lacked sharpness, and the Blues’ build-up play was sluggish against a disciplined ES Tunis defense. The African champions, needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, sat deep and looked to counter—but Chelsea’s control of possession (74%) ensured they were rarely threatened.
The Breakthrough: Tosin and Delap Strike Before Halftime
Just as the first half seemed destined to end goalless, Chelsea sparked to life in stoppage time.
In the 45th minute, Enzo Fernandez—wearing the captain’s armband in place of the ill Reece James—floated a delicate free-kick into the box. Tosin Adarabioyo, rising highest, guided a precise header past ES Tunis goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said to break the deadlock.
The relief was palpable, but the Blues weren’t done. Just two minutes later, Fernandez turned provider again, slipping a pass to Liam Delap. The 22-year-old striker, a £30 million signing from Ipswich earlier this month, showcased his instincts with a brilliant first touch, a quick turn, and a composed finish into the bottom corner.
It was a moment of pure striker’s instinct—the kind Chelsea fans have been craving. Delap, who had earlier forced a save from Ben Said, wheeled away in celebration, marking his first goal for the club in style.
Second Half: Control and Near-Misses
With the two-goal cushion, Chelsea’s approach in the second half was measured. ES Tunis, now needing a miracle, offered little in attack, failing to register a single shot on target all night.
Maresca took the opportunity to rotate further, handing a debut to young midfielder Andrey Santos while also bringing on Mamadou Sarr for his first senior appearance. The changes disrupted Chelsea’s flow slightly, but the Blues still created chances.
Christopher Nkunku, still searching for his best form after injury struggles, saw a penalty appeal overturned by VAR after an initial handball decision was reversed. Noni Madueke and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also had opportunities to extend the lead but were denied by last-ditch defending.
Tyrique George Adds the Exclamation Point
Deep into stoppage time, 18-year-old substitute Tyrique George put the finishing touch on the victory. Cutting inside from the left, the academy product fired a low shot that squirmed through Ben Said’s grasp, trickling over the line to make it 3-0.
The goal, coming with practically the last kick of the game, was a deserved reward for Chelsea’s dominance—and a memorable moment for the young winger.
Key Takeaways from ES Tunis 0-3 Chelsea
- Delap’s Promise – The young striker’s well-taken goal offers hope that he can provide depth in attack, especially with Nicolas Jackson still suspended for the next match.
- Fernandez’s Leadership – In Reece James’ absence, Enzo Fernandez captained the side with authority, contributing two assists before being substituted.
- Defensive Solidity – Chelsea’s backline, marshaled by Adarabioyo, kept a clean sheet with minimal fuss.
- Rotation Pays Off – Maresca’s decision to rest key players in extreme conditions proved wise, with no injuries and a comfortable win.
What’s Next?
Chelsea progress as Group D runners-up, setting up a last-16 clash with Portuguese giants Benfica on Saturday. Flamengo, who topped the group, awaits the winner of that tie in the quarterfinals.
For ES Tunis, the journey comes to an end here. The African champions exit the tournament alongside MLS side Los Angeles FC, their hopes dashed by Chelsea’s clinical finishing.
Final Thoughts
While the match lacked the fireworks of some of Chelsea’s more high-profile fixtures, it was a professional, efficient performance. The Blues adapted to the conditions, managed the game intelligently, and got the job done.
With tougher tests ahead—starting with Benfica—Maresca will hope his squad can build on this momentum. For now, the ES Tunis vs Chelsea clash in the Club World Cup will be remembered as a stepping stone, one that ended ES Tunis 0-3 Chelsea and kept the Blues’ trophy dreams alive.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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