On June 20, 2025, Brazilian giants Flamengo delivered a shocking 3-1 upset over Premier League powerhouse Chelsea in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup Group D match at Lincoln Financial Field.
The electrifying second-half comeback, fuelled by passionate Flamengo fans and tactical brilliance from coach Filipe Luís, secured the Brazilian side’s spot in the last 16 and left Chelsea reeling.
This result shows the growing dominance of South American teams in the 2025 tournament.
Chelsea struck first in the 13th minute when Pedro Neto capitalised on a defensive error by Flamengo’s Wesley, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Agustín Rossi.
The Blues dominated early, with Liam Delap and Enzo Fernández testing Rossi, but squandered chances to extend their lead.
Flamengo, backed by a vibrant crowd of 54,019, regrouped at halftime, with substitute Bruno Henrique igniting the comeback.
In the 62nd minute, Henrique tapped in a header from Gonzalo Plata to equalize, sending the Flamengo faithful into a frenzy.
Three minutes later, Flamengo took the lead when Henrique headed a corner back across goal, allowing veteran Danilo, formerly of Manchester City, to volley home.
Chelsea’s hopes crumbled in the 68th minute when substitute Nicolas Jackson received a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas, reducing the Blues to 10 men.
Flamengo sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, with Wallace Yan pouncing on a rebound after Plata’s surging run forced a save from Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez.
Flamengo’s triumph, their second in Group D, guarantees their knockout stage berth, while Chelsea, now second with three points, face a must-win clash against Esperance de Tunis.
The match, managed by former Chelsea left-back Filipe Luís and featuring ex-Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, showcased Flamengo’s high-pressing style and possession dominance, averaging 60% in 2025 competitions.
Fans celebrated Flamengo’s bold social media taunts, including a now-deleted jab, “Chelsea is just a small neighborhood in London.”
This upset follows Botafogo’s shock win over PSG, highlighting South America’s unbeaten run in the tournament. As Flamengo’s victory reverberates, questions swirl around Chelsea’s tactics under Enzo Maresca, particularly the isolation of Cole Palmer.
