Flamengo stage dramatic comeback to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in Club World Cup

Substitute Bruno Henrique starred as Flamengo rallied from a first-half deficit to defeat Chelsea 3-1 at the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, extending South American teams' dominant run in the tournament.

Chelsea took an early lead through Pedro Neto, but Flamengo—buoyed by their passionate fans, who dominated the 54,019-strong crowd—dominated possession and created chances, only to be denied by a resilient Blues defense until the second half.

Henrique, introduced in the 56th minute, ignited the comeback. He equalized for the Brazilian giants just after the hour mark before setting up Danilo to put Flamengo ahead 2-1. Chelsea's hopes of a comeback were dashed when substitute Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 68th minute with a straight red card.

Wallace Yan, another late substitute, sealed the 3-1 victory for the Rio de Janeiro club—current leaders of the Brazilian league—with a strike in stoppage time.

"It was a special day for me and our club," said Flamengo coach Filipe Luis, a former Chelsea player. "We knew we would have chances against Chelsea because we have one way to play and they know how to follow that path."

Flamengo have two wins from two at the tournament, and their qualification for the last 16 from Group D was assured later when Esperance of Tunisia beat Los Angeles FC 1-0.

Luis tempered celebration, adding: "I am really happy with the game but it is just one win. Now we have to think about the next game and try to go through this group phase because it is not easy."

While unable to replicate their opening victory over LAFC, Chelsea can still progress to the knockout stage when they face Esperance in their decisive group finale.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged,"Unfortunately we conceded two goals in a very short period, a very short moment, and then the red card, and then I think it's very complicated to come back in the game. We tried, but congratulations to them. I think they deserved to win."