CWC: Pedro Neto earns Maresca praise after goal in Chelsea victory over Los Angeles FC | OneFootball

Chelsea 2-0 Los Angeles FC

Pedro Neto became the second Portuguese to score in this year’s Club World Cup on Monday, getting the opening goal as Chelsea beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 in Atlanta.

The occasion also saw the Blues hand a debut to recent signing Dário Essugo, who came on for the final stages of the Group D opener at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium.

Neto’s goal separated the sides at the break, and it was vintage stuff from the winger. Racing with the ball into the right channel, Neto cut inside his marker and onto his favoured left foot, before dispatching an powerful finish inside the near post to put the English team ahead on 34 minutes.

Chelsea got the second when substitute and new signing Liam Delap crossed for ex-Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez to score from close range. Essugo, a recent acquisition from Sporting following a loan last season at Las Palmas, entered the action on 84 minutes and had several touches. “Great feeling to wear this shirt for the first time. The journey begins..." he wrote on social media after the match.

Neto praise

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was happy with his side after the match, particularly Neto, who he backed to improve on a promising debut season at Stamford Bridge. The former Braga man scored 7 times in all competitions last term, helping the London side to Champions League qualification as well as winning the Europa Conference League.

“Pedro is a very good person, very professional, and works hard every day,” Maresca said. “Today he played a very good game and since he arrived with us, he has been very good.

“Next season, he is probably going to be even better in terms of goals and assists, but overall, we are very happy with Pedro.”