Chelsea suffered a damaging defeat to Flamengo in Philadelphia to leave their FIFA Club World Cup hopes in the balance.
Pedro Neto gave Enzo Mareaca’s side an early lead slightly against the run of play at Lincoln Financial Field and the Blues remained 1-0 to the good at halftime.
But Chelsea collapsed in the face of probing second-half pressure from their Brazilian opponents.
Flamengo boss Filipe Luis — who spent a season at Stamford Bridge and won the Premier League in 2014/15 — enjoyed the Midas touch as substitutes Bruno Henrique and Wallace Yan scored either side of Danilo giving the Mengao a 65th-minute lead.
To compound matters, shortly after Flamengo went ahead, Nicolas Jackosn was sent off for a reckless lunge. The 3-1 defeat has big implications for Chelsea’s qualification hopes.
What do Chelsea need to qualify for Club World Cup Round of 16?
Chelsea have three points on the board and still have their fate in their own hands thanks to an opening 2-0 win over LAFC.
If they avoid defeat against Esperance de Tunis in their final group game then they are through, no questions asked.
Flamengo STUNS Chelsea!! ?
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However, the UEFA Conference League winners can only progress as Group D runners-up because tournament rules mean the result between two teams is the first tiebreaker in the event of sides finishing level on points.
So, if Chelsea were to beat ES Tunis and LAFC stun Flamengo, they would be level on points and still finish behind the Brazilians, even if they had an inferior goal difference. An opening 2-0 win over Esperance means Flamengo are confirmed as group winners.
This would mean a probable Round of 16 encounter with Bayern Munich, unless the Bundesliga champions are beaten by Benfica in their final Group C game and cede top spot.
Esperance’s 1-0 win over LAFC means the MLS side are eliminated and a draw against the Tunisians will also see Chelsea through as they have a superior goal difference to their matchday three opponents.
In short, win or draw against Esperance and Chelsea are through as runners-up behind Flamengo. Lose, and they are heading home.
