Flamengo destroyed a shortage in the first half to beat Chelsea 3-1 in their club World Cup Group D Clash on Friday, with second half goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Wallace Yan who secure the second consecutive victory of the Brazilian side in the tournament.
The early strike of Pedro Neto had put Chelsea ahead, but the Premier League side wasted various options for expanding its lead, allowing Flamengo to organize an exciting comeback.
The Brazilians quickly scored two goals in succession by Henrique and Danilo in the 62nd and 65th minutes, followed by Chelsea Forward Nicolas Jackson, a straight red was shown three minutes later for a annoying studies-up challenge.
Flamengo closed the victory with Yan’s strike in the 83rd minute.
The result leaves Flamengo on Group D with six points from two games, while Chelsea remains second with three. Esperance De Tunis and Los Angeles FC still have to register one point, where both parties have a game in hand.
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Flamengo started clearly, insisted on Chelsea High and forced defensive mistakes, but it was unable to take advantage of early chances of Luiz Arajo, Giorgian de Arascaeta and Ayrton Lucas was refused by Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.
However, Chelsea first struck in the 13th minute after Flamengo Fullback Wesley had cut a clean -up attempt and lost his foot, giving the ball to Neto. The Portuguese wing player raced in the box and hit a composed finish along Agustin Rossi to lead Chelsea.
The goal changed the momentum, in which Chelsea dominated the property and created further opportunities. Malo Gusto and Liam Delap had saved efforts by Rossi. Flamengo also had a big chance, with Enzo Fernandez who released a Gerson Volley from De Lijn just before half -time.
Chelsea also went on appeal for a penalty without success when Fernandez seemed to be kept in the box.
Flamengo, however, roared back in the fight after the break. Bruno Henrique, introduced as a replacement, made an immediate impact in the 62nd minute. Gerson’s Cross found Gonzalo Plata on the distant pole, whose smart header Henrique set up for a simple tap-in to make it right.
Only three minutes later, Flamengo took the lead from a corner. Henrique rose highest to lead the ball back over the box, where Danilo jumped home from close up.
The problems of Chelsea got deeper when Jackson, who had just left the bank, was sent away in the 68th minute for a reckless studs-up challenge on Lucas.
Flamengo sealed the victory in the 83rd minute when Yan, another replacement, slid a rebound home after a rising run from the right through Plata.
