Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory against Los Angeles FC in a largely empty stadium on Monday as Brazilian giants Flamengo also got off to a winning start and a Benfica comeback denied Boca Juniors in a stormy encounter.

Chelsea cruised, LAFC somewhat competed, but the empty seats that greeted the Club World Cup's Atlanta debut couldn't be overlooked.

Chelsea wrapped up their 2024–25 campaign with a flurry of positive results, including Champions League qualification secured with a dramatic victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day. Just days later,