Chelsea kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Blues dominated the first half, netting one goal, and maintained the same scoreline in the second half.

Pedro Neto scored Chelsea’s opening goal in the 33rd minute with a low shot beyond Hugo Lloris at his near post. Despite LAFC’s improved performance in the second half, Chelsea sealed their victory with a second goal in the 79th minute, courtesy of Enzo Fernandez, who buried a close-range shot beyond the goalkeeper.

New signing Liam Delap made his Chelsea debut after joining from Ipswich Town and wasted no time showing his skills, assisting Fernandez for Chelsea’s second goal. “Very good result,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca after the match. “Overall, the performance has been good and we won the game.”

The victory earns Chelsea $2 million and three points, elevating them to the top of Group D standings alongside Flamengo, who also won their opening match against Esperance of Tunisia. LAFC, who had to win a playoff with Club America to enter the tournament, put up a fight but failed to score.

Chelsea’s next match is against Flamengo on Friday, while LAFC faces Esperance. The FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams, including four from Africa, competing for a total cash prize of $1 billion.