Chelsea beat LAFC at FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win against Los Angeles FC at a half-empty Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday. 

Chelsea were the better side, although LAFC looked to move the ball around against a rival that started the match with three of their four new signings on the bench.

The English club had to withstand a bright start from LAFC on a ground where there were far too many empty seats, but after around 15 minutes the Conference League champions began to get control in midfield.

The more Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson got involved, the more danger Chelsea created, with Palmer, now wearing the number 10 shirt, curled an effort just after 20 minutes.

Jackson was involved in the opening goal with a smart pass to Pedro Neto, who left his marker on the floor before beating Hugo Lloris with a cool finish in the 34th minute.

LAFC had to replace Nathan Ordaz with David Martinez two minutes later after the El Salvador international suffered a knock on the head.

Jackson had a chance to double Chelsea's lead when his goal-bound header was deflected just wide, while at the other end Denis Bouanga produced a moment of power and skill to draw a good save from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez in a rare attack.

Chelsea brought Liam Delap, one of the club's summer signings on for Jackson in the 64th minute and after Ryan Hollingshead fired over for LAFC, Delap capped his debut with an assist as he whipped in a cross for Fernandez to score from close range to secure the win.