At the opening of the Club World Cup, only 22,137 fans attended Chelsea’s match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which can hold 75,000. The scheduling at 3 PM on a Monday likely contributed to the sparse attendance. Many seats were empty, and even though Atlanta is a growing hub for soccer, local interest in the match was low, as ticket prices dropped hours before kickoff.
Chelsea, fresh off a UEFA Conference League win and bolstered by recent signings, aimed to build on their squad’s confidence. Liam Delap, a new recruit, made an impactful debut, assisting in a goal and showcasing his playmaking abilities. Coach Enzo Maresca emphasized the challenges of adjusting to the match environment, as key players like Nicholas Jackson and others were managed carefully due to fatigue.
Chelsea will face Flamengo next in the tournament, and despite their slow start, they gradually improved during the match against LAFC. The team appears focused on making a strong impression after securing substantial financial incentives for victories in the group stage.
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