Chelsea vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis wasn’t just a football match—it was a statement. Under the blistering 33°C night heat of Philadelphia, the Blues marched into the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup with a confident 3-0 win.
With over 32,000 fans packed into Lincoln Financial Field, Chelsea put on a show that included Liam Delap’s first goal in blue and a tactical masterclass from manager Enzo Maresca, despite rotating most of his starters.
🔥 Heat Check: Chelsea’s Rotation Pays Off
Forget the weather—Maresca’s strategy was even hotter. The Italian tactician made eight changes to the lineup, keeping just Delap, Enzo Fernández, and Malo Gusto from their previous match. Rising right-back Josh Acheampong nearly opened the scoring in the 36th minute.
But the real breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. A perfectly placed free-kick delivery from Fernández found Tosin Adarabioyo, who nodded it home for 1-0. Two minutes later, Delap showed why Chelsea signed him—spinning past a defender and burying a low shot for a dream debut goal.
💡 Tactical Brilliance + VAR Drama = Chelsea Comfortably Through
Although VAR spoiled Chelsea’s penalty shout in the 75th minute, there was no stopping their flow. Youngster Tyrique George added the final flourish in stoppage time, making it 3-0 and icing the match like a birthday cake in a sauna.
Espérance, champions of Tunisia, battled bravely but rarely threatened in the attacking third. The heat sapped their energy, and Chelsea’s deep squad rotation ensured fresh legs and fresher ideas.
💸 188BET INSIGHT:
Chelsea entered as heavy favorites with pre-match odds around 1.40, while a 3-0 correct score payout exceeded 9.5x. For prop bettors, backing a Delap anytime goal returned a juicy 4.75x, a solid value bet for a breakout performance.
📍 What’s Next? Benfica Awaits
Chelsea finish second in Group D and now head to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash vs Benfica—their first meeting since the 2013 Europa League final.
Benfica topped Group C by stunning Bayern Munich 1-0, so this won’t be a walk in the park. But with players like Fernández clicking and Delap gaining momentum, Maresca’s men look ready for the challenge.
🧠 FAQs
Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George each scored one goal for Chelsea.
Chelsea will face Benfica in the Round of 16, in a rematch of their 2013 Europa League final.
Yes, Liam Delap scored his first goal for Chelsea in this match, marking a strong debut.
Chelsea won 3-0, securing second place in Group D and advancing to the Round of 16.
Chelsea were strong favorites at 1.40; a 3-0 win paid around 9.5x, while Delap’s goal odds were 4.75x for anytime scorer.
The game was held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, under extreme heat conditions.
Conclusion:
Chelsea vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis was more than a formality. It was a launchpad for rising stars, tactical evolution, and a club that’s learning to win without over-relying on big names.
With a confident 3-0 win and a Round of 16 showdown against Benfica looming, Chelsea fans—and 188BET punters—have plenty to get excited about.
👉 Think Chelsea can go all the way? Don’t miss live Club World Cup odds and prop specials on 188BET before the knockout drama begins!
