The stage is set in Philadelphia as Flamengo and Chelsea, both winners on matchday one of Group D, collide in a battle that could effectively decide top spot and a direct route into the Club World Cup knockout stages.

With both teams looking to extend their impressive recent form, this promises to be a blockbuster clash between South American flair and European efficiency.

Flamengo – Riding a Red-Hot Streak

Flamengo entered this tournament as Copa Libertadores runners-up, and they made light work of Espérance de Tunis in their 2-0 opening victory, dominating possession and controlling the tempo throughout.

That win extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions (W7, D2), including five straight victories, and confidence is flowing under new head coach Filipe Luís.

The former Chelsea defender, who made 26 appearances for the Blues, will be especially motivated for this encounter, knowing the spotlight is brighter when facing European opposition.

Flamengo’s recent solidity has been particularly eye-catching, with seven clean sheets in their last eight matches, and their ability to keep things tight defensively could be vital against Chelsea’s attacking threats.

However, they enter this fixture as heavy underdogs, not because of form but due to the perceived gap in squad depth and quality, with Chelsea arriving as one of the tournament favourites.

That said, Flamengo fans will remember their 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 2019 CWC final, and this is a golden opportunity to earn redemption against another English heavyweight.

Chelsea – Conference Kings Eye Global Glory

Chelsea made a statement of intent in their 2-0 win over LAFC to open their campaign, a performance that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

Dominant in possession, dangerous in transition, and sharp in the second half, Enzo Maresca’s side extended their excellent form to nine wins from their last ten games (L1), building on a season that saw them claim the UEFA Conference League title and a top-four Premier League finish.

With a near full-strength squad and growing belief, Chelsea will view this clash as a chance to all but seal a spot in the knockout rounds.

They’ve shown second-half resilience, with seven of their last eight goals arriving after the break, and will fancy their chances of wearing Flamengo down.

Their record against Brazilian clubs is limited but notable beating Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2021 CWC final, though they were beaten by Corinthians in 2012.

A win here would tilt their all-time record against Brazilian opposition in their favour.

Head-to-Head History

• First ever meeting between Flamengo and Chelsea.
  
• Flamengo have faced an English side once before in the CWC, a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 2019 final.
  
• Chelsea have won one and lost one against Brazilian clubs in this competition.
  

Form & Key Stats

• Flamengo: 5 straight wins, 7 clean sheets in last 8, unbeaten in 9.
  
• Chelsea: Won 9 of last 10 matches, 3 straight clean sheets, only 1 of last 6 games saw both teams score.
  
• Second-half specialists: Chelsea have scored 7 of their last 8 goals after the break.
  
• 4 of Flamengo’s last 5 wins came by a 2+ goal margin.
  

Players to Watch

Flamengo: Jorginho

Back on familiar ground, Jorginho turned back the clock with a composed midfield display and an assist against Espérance, his first in 32 club appearances.

The ex-Chelsea man knows his former teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, which could make him an influential figure.

Chelsea: Enzo Fernández

Fresh off scoring from the bench on matchday one, Enzo Fernández continues to grow into a talismanic role.

With four goals in his last five club appearances, most arriving after half-time, the Argentine’s energy and eye for goal could be pivotal again.

The tactical view

Expect Flamengo to try and slow down the tempo, dominate central areas, and frustrate Chelsea early, relying on the flair of Bruno Henrique and the creativity of Gerson in transitions.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will likely control possession, exploit space in the second half, and use the movement of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer to carve openings.

Potential Lineups:

Flamengo: 4-2-3-1 – Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho; Luis Araujo, de Arrascaeta, Gerson; Pedro.

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Jackson; Delap.

Where to watch: 

United Kingdom: DAZN (Free)

United States: DAZN (Free)

Canada: DAZN (Free)

India: DAZN (Free)

Australia: DAZN (Free)

Nigeria: SuperSports

Score Prediction: Flamengo 1-2 Chelsea

Conclusion

With both sides in fine form and full of confidence, this could be a closely contested affair.

Flamengo’s defensive record is excellent, but Chelsea’s depth, experience, and second-half finishing may edge them in a matchup of fine margins.