Joao Pedro revelled in a “dream” full debut after his double propelled Chelsea into the Membership World Cup remaining.
Chelsea beat Fluminense, Joao Pedro’s boyhood membership, 2-0 on the MetLife Stadium to arrange a showdown in opposition to both Actual Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton final week, made his first look for Chelsea as an alternative in opposition to Palmeiras within the earlier spherical, however was handed his first begin following Liam Delap’s suspension.
He turned the primary Brazilian to attain for Chelsea in an official match since Thiago Silva, who captained Fluminense on Tuesday, did so in opposition to Sheffield United within the 2023-24 season.
The ahead was delighted along with his efficiency and is now targeted on enhancing his health for the ultimate.
“I believe it was a dream,” Joao Pedro instructed DAZN.
“I don’t suppose it may have been higher. Two targets. Now we want to consider the ultimate. I’m very pleased to attain two targets at the moment.
Take a bow, Joao Pedro. pic.twitter.com/l8eQwa0noR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 8, 2025
“[Enzo Maresca] simply mentioned to me to play the identical as I did within the final recreation. As a result of I had extra time to do my stuff, I used to be pleased to attain, the crew received, the crew performed nicely and that’s necessary.
“I attempt to enhance each session however I do know it’s laborious. They helped me as nicely. Now I have to relaxation, deal with the ultimate as a result of I believe it is going to be an important recreation.
“It might be my first title as nicely. I believe it is going to be an important recreation, a really particular recreation. I got here one week in the past and now I’m going to play a remaining. I’m very pleased. The crew have been very welcoming me and now we have to transfer ahead.
Joao Pedro began his profession with Fluminense earlier than becoming a member of Watford in 2020, and he refused to have a good time after his targets.
Talking to reporters, he mentioned: “Once I was younger I didn’t have something and so they gave me the whole lot. They confirmed me to the world. I’m right here as a result of they consider in me. I’m very grateful. [But] that is soccer. I’ve to do my job.”
In his interview with DAZN, Joao Pedro added: “I’m pleased to attain my first objective for Chelsea but additionally I do know this event is essential for Fluminense.
“I can simply ask for forgiveness however I’ve to be skilled. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to attain targets.”
After knocking out Inter and Al-Hilal, Fluminense couldn’t recapture the identical magic in opposition to the Blues, accumulating solely 0.92 anticipated targets.
Veteran defender Silva was happy with his facet’s marketing campaign, although.
“It was a really tough recreation, however you’ll be able to’t say we didn’t strive,” Thiago Silva instructed DAZN. “We put our all into it and we actually worth how far we made it at this event.”
Issues may need been totally different, too, had referee Francois Letexier caught along with his preliminary name to award Fluminense a penalty for a Trevoh Chalobah handball, when Chelsea had been main 1-0.
Nonetheless, after a VAR examine, the official modified his thoughts.
“I believed it was a penalty,” Silva mentioned. “I don’t suppose it’s the explanation we misplaced, however it may have modified the sport. On the finish of the day, that’s soccer.”