PEDRO NETO and Enzo Fernandez sunk Los Angeles FC to open Chelsea’s Club World Cup account.
Portuguese wizard Neto was at his tricky best as the Blues battled past the MLS side in Atlanta.
Enzo Maresca gave starts to and Nicolas Jackson in the searing Georgian heat.
The Blues dominated the early stages against the Americans, who packed in deep infront of a small band of ultras from California.
Palmer and Jackson both went close as Maresca’s men began to take control.
And it was Neto who sealed the breakthrough, twisting and turning his marker inside out on the right side of the box.
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The Portuguese winger sized up LA’s before hammering past the ex-Spurs keeper at his near post.
Tempers flared at the break as
And it was the Frenchman who almost levelled, with Robert Sanchez saving brilliantly with his legs after Bouanga had burst into the box.
LA called for more French inspiration off the bench, bringing on former Chelsea striker .
Chelsea followed suit by bringing new on for his debut.
Delap looked sharp and eager from the off, before providing the second on a plate for Enzo Fernandez.
The England U21 star peeled off his marker and was released down the wing by Palmer.
Delap took one look up and chipped in a perfect cross for Fernandez to bundle in.
LA continued to show heart and should have at least grabbed a consolation.
Bouanga was released over the top late in the contest, only to fire straight at Sanchez.
And there was still time for Neto to slam the crossbar with a stunning strike in the final seconds.
