⚽ Liam Delap First Chelsea Goal Seals Club World Cup Knockout Qualification
https://youtu.be/F_z9P1Kxf3w?si=9yIlLhEThFl_djkv
Liam Delap first Chelsea goal was the highlight of the night as the Blues defeated ES Tunis 3–0 to progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup. With temperatures soaring in Philadelphia, Chelsea’s rotated squad overcame the conditions and their opponents to set up a last-16 tie with Benfica.
🥅 Liam Delap Opens Chelsea Account in Style
After his £30 million move from Ipswich earlier this month, 22-year-old striker Liam Delap wasted no time making an impact.
🎯 The Goal:
- Scored in first-half stoppage time
- Neat first touch, quick spin, and a placed finish into the bottom corner
- Gave Chelsea a 2–0 lead heading into the break
Delap’s movement and decision-making stood out — a promising sign, especially with Nicolas Jackson suspended for the upcoming clash against Benfica.
📸 Match Recap: Chelsea 3–0 ES Tunis
Despite sweltering heat that felt like 36°C at the 9 PM kickoff, Enzo Maresca’s heavily rotated side delivered a professional performance.
⚽ Goalscorers:
- Tosin Adarabioyo – 43rd minute (Header from Enzo Fernandez free-kick)
- Liam Delap – 45+2 minute (First Chelsea goal)
- Tyrique George – 90+4 minute (Late finish)
🌡️ Match Conditions:
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Attendance: 32,967
- Temperature: 36°C with humidity
- Chelsea Possession: 74%
- Shots: Chelsea 16 – 3 ES Tunis (0 on target)
🔍 Who Impressed for Chelsea?
🌟 Standout Players:
- Enzo Fernandez: Captain in Reece James’ absence; assisted twice
- Liam Delap: Excellent movement and composed finish
- Mamadou Sarr: Made his Chelsea debut
- Tyrique George: Scored with the last kick of the game
🧊 Underwhelming Performances:
- Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struggled in tough conditions but weren’t the only ones adapting to a heavily rotated lineup.
🧮 What This Means: Chelsea Advance in CWC
Chelsea advance as Group D runners-up behind Flamengo. They will face Benfica in the Round of 16.
🆚 Next Match:
- Chelsea vs Benfica
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup – Round of 16
- Date: Saturday
- Venue: TBD
❌ Eliminated:
- ES Tunis
- Los Angeles FC
Both are officially knocked out of the tournament.
📊 Key Stats From the Match
| Category | Chelsea | ES Tunis |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 74% | 26% |
| Shots (Total) | 16 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 0 |
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 91% | 77% |
| Corners | 6 | 1 |
🔮 What’s Next for Liam Delap?
With Nicolas Jackson out for the Benfica match, Liam Delap may start again. His performance against ES Tunis showed promise — quick footwork, calm finishing, and tactical understanding.
If he continues to impress, he could become a key rotational option for Enzo Maresca during the busy second half of the season.
❓ FAQs About Liam Delap and Chelsea’s Win
✅ Who is Liam Delap?
A 22-year-old English striker who recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich for £30 million.
✅ When did Liam Delap score his first Chelsea goal?
He scored in first-half stoppage time against ES Tunis at the 2025 Club World Cup.
✅ What is next for Chelsea in the Club World Cup?
Chelsea will face Benfica in the Round of 16.
✅ Who assisted Liam Delap’s goal?
He finished the move himself after a pass from Noni Madueke, taking a touch and spinning past the defender.
📝 Final Thoughts
Liam Delap’s first Chelsea goal couldn’t have come at a better time. With striker options limited and Chelsea chasing silverware, his sharpness and confidence will be crucial in the coming rounds. The win over ES Tunis also showcased Chelsea’s depth and ability to perform under pressure — both in terms of squad rotation and climate challenges.
