Enzo Fernandez Masterclass and Liam Delap’s First Goal Fire Chelsea into FIFA Club World Cup Knockout Stages

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis: Blues Bounce Back in Style

Chelsea booked their place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and it was a night to remember for Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap.

Coming off the back of a surprise defeat to Flamengo, Enzo Maresca rang the changes, and his brave decisions were rewarded. With only Malo Gusto and Fernandez retaining their places from the previous match, the reshuffled Blues side took time to settle into rhythm in sweltering heat. But once they clicked, Chelsea were far too much for the Tunisian champions.

Fernandez the Architect, Delap the Finisher

The breakthrough came right on the stroke of half-time. Fernandez, pulling the strings from deep, sent in a glorious free-kick that found Tosin Adarabioyo, who rose highest to head home. Barely moments later, Fernandez again produced a moment of brilliance, chipping an exquisite ball into the path of Liam Delap. The 21-year-old striker took it down expertly and finished with composure, netting his first Chelsea goal in just his third appearance.

Delap, a summer signing from Manchester City, had impressed during a loan at Ipswich Town, and now appears ready to stake a claim in Chelsea’s long-searching quest for a clinical No.9.

Second-Half Control and a Long-Range Thunderbolt

CHELSEA

Chelsea maintained control after the break, shifting into game-management mode. Espérance rarely troubled the back line, and Maresca’s side looked comfortable in possession. There was brief controversy when Christopher Nkunku thought he’d earned a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision. Still, the match ended on a high as Tyrique George, another exciting academy product, unleashed a thunderous strike from distance to make it 3-0.

With the result, Chelsea secured their passage to the last-16, where they’ll face Benfica in Charlotte. Here’s how each player performed.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Filip Jørgensen (6/10):
Barely had anything to do. Espérance didn’t register a single shot on target. His passing was calm and composed when required.

Josh Acheampong (6/10):
The 19-year-old did his job without fuss. A solid if unspectacular full 90 minutes that will help build his confidence.

Tosin Adarabioyo (8/10):
A powerful presence at the back and capped his performance with a headed goal. Looked assured and dominant throughout.

Benoît Badiashile (7/10):
Quietly effective. His positional sense and calmness in possession ensured Chelsea were never under pressure.

Malo Gusto (7/10):
Held the right flank well defensively. Didn’t get forward as much as usual but managed the Espérance threat.

Midfield

Noni Madueke (8/10):
Electric on the ball. Four successful dribbles and three key passes. Took defenders on at will and injected energy into the midfield.

Roméo Lavia (5/10):
A forgettable evening. Lavia struggled to assert himself either defensively or in possession. Hooked on the hour mark.

Enzo Fernandez (9/10):
Magnificent. Two moments of absolute genius shaped the match. Controlled the tempo, split lines, and reminded everyone why Chelsea broke the bank for him.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (7/10):
A steady hand in midfield. Three key passes and some decent movement off the ball. Drifted in and out of the game but did enough.

Attack

Christopher Nkunku (6/10):
Still searching for his best form in a Chelsea shirt. Tried to make things happen but was unlucky with the overturned penalty.

Liam Delap (8/10):
Showed maturity beyond his years. His goal was expertly taken and his hold-up play gave Chelsea a focal point. Encouraging signs.

Substitutes & Manager

Dário Essugo (6/10):
Tidy but didn’t make much of an impression. Conceded a few cheap fouls.

Marc Guiu (6/10):
Barely had time to impact the match. One tame shot on target.

Andrey Santos (7/10):
Finally made his debut and looked lively. Played a clever pass to assist George’s goal. Promising.

Tyrique George (8/10):
What a strike! The 19-year-old has been one of the revelations of this tournament. His long-range goal capped a wonderful cameo.

Mamadou Sarr (N/A):
Debut appearance but not enough minutes to judge.

Enzo Maresca (9/10):
Responded perfectly to criticism after the Flamengo defeat. Rotated wisely, gave minutes to youth, and restored belief with a convincing win. A job well done.

Chelsea march on in the FIFA Club World Cup, with Benfica up next. With Delap’s confidence growing and Fernandez pulling the strings, there’s reason to believe the Blues could go deep in the tournament. Keep an eye on this blend of experienced stars and hungry young talents. They’re starting to click.