( Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail )
Chelsea Opens Club World Cup Campaign with 2-0 Win, but Sparse Crowd Overshadows Match
ATLANTA: Chelsea began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, but the match was notable more for the empty seats than the on-field action.
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández secured the three points for the Premier League side, while LAFC struggled to convert their chances into goals. However, the atmosphere at the 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium was noticeably subdued, with just 22,137 fans in attendance.
The weekday afternoon kickoff, coupled with the cross-country distance from LA to Atlanta, likely contributed to the low turnout. Even last-minute ticket discounts failed to draw a larger crowd.
Chelsea will face Brazilian club Flamengo in their next fixture on Friday in Philadelphia, where Maresca expects a livelier crowd due to Brazil’s passionate football fanbase.
LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo urged patience in evaluating the tournament’s overall atmosphere.
Benfica and Boca Juniors Deliver Drama in Thrilling 2-2 Draw
While Chelsea’s match lacked excitement in the stands, fans at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium were treated to a fiery encounter between Benfica and Boca Juniors, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Boca, backed by a strong crowd presence among the 55,574 attendees, surged to a 2-0 lead with early goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia.
Benfica responded just before halftime when Ángel Di María converted a penalty following a VAR check. The match saw high emotions and disciplinary chaos, with three red cards issued.
Benfica’s Andrea Belotti received a straight red in the second half, yet the Portuguese club managed to equalize through Nicolás Otamendi. Boca’s Nicolás Figal was later dismissed for a reckless challenge.
Flamengo Cruises Past ES Tunis in Philadelphia
In the final match of the day, Flamengo of Brazil recorded a 2-0 victory over Tunisia’s ES Tunis in front of 25,797 fans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Despite the modest turnout, Flamengo looked strong and poised to make a deep run in the competition.
The FIFA Club World Cup is showcasing global football talent, but attendance and scheduling remain key challenges for the newly expanded format. As the tournament progresses, organizers and fans alike will be watching closely—not just for results on the pitch, but also for signs of growing engagement in the stands.
