2025 Club W Cup Group Stage Preview - Flamengo vs. Chelsea: Can the Rubro-Negro take the lead in Group D? June 19, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the 2025 Club W Cup, as Flamengo and Chelsea prepare to face off in a decisive Group D encounter. Scheduled for Friday, June 20, 7:00pm BST, Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, PA. This clash promises to be a gripping contest between two sides in excellent form, with top spot in the group - and a path to the final - hanging in the balance.

Both teams opened their campaigns with confident 2-0 victories: Flamengo eased past Esperance Sportive de Tunis, while Chelsea dispatched LAFC. As it stands, both sit level on points atop Group D, adding further intensity to what is expected to be a compelling affair.

Flamengo: Momentum and Standout Players

Flamengo enters this fixture full of confidence, having dominated their opener with 80% possession in their win over Esperance. A powerhouse in Brazilian football, Flamengo boasts a rich history that includes seven national championships and a squad filled with technical brilliance and creative flair.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta:
The Uruguayan playmaker remains central to Flamengo's attacking threat. He opened the scoring in the 17th minute against Esperance, finishing off a fluid sequence involving Guillermo Varela and Luiz Araújo. De Arrascaeta has been electric in domestic competition, tallying nine goals and four assists in just nine Série A matches - converting nine of his 10 shots on target.

Luiz Araújo:
Known for his sharp finishing and intelligent movement, Araújo netted Flamengo's second goal with a clinical left-footed finish after a pinpoint through ball from Jorginho. His presence in the final third provides a constant scoring threat.

Jorginho: The experienced midfielder, formerly of Chelsea and Arsenal, made an immediate impact in his Flamengo debut, registering an assist in their first match. His composure and distribution in midfield help anchor Flamengo's possession-based approach.

Flamengo vs. Chelsea Sports Bet Odds

The Blues are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• Full Time Result odds are 1.85 for the Blues, 3.70 for Draw and 4.10 for Rubro-Negro.
• Handicap Result has Blues -1 with 3.25 odds, Tie (Chelsea +1) is at 3.75 odds and Rubro-Negro +1 with 1.90 odds.
• Total Goals is set at 2.5 with the Over 1.95 odds while the Under at 1.85 odds.

Chelsea:
Form, Tactics, and Key Players

Chelsea kicked off their Club W Cup journey with a solid 2-0 win over LAFC. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the team has adopted a composed and balanced style, with particular emphasis on midfield control and quick transitions. As the 2021 Champions League winners, Chelsea are no strangers to the big stage.

Cole Palmer:
Wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, Palmer is the creative heartbeat of this Chelsea side. Fresh off an MVP performance in the Conference League final—where he notched two assists—his vision and technique make him the key orchestrator in attack.

Enzo Fernández:
A box-to-box midfielder with a knack for creating and finishing chances, Fernández capped Chelsea's win over LAFC with a composed strike late in the match. With 14 assists across all competitions in 2024-25 and a place in the Conference League Team of the Tournament, he is a vital link between defense and attack.

Moisés Caicedo:
A midfield enforcer with elite defensive awareness, Caicedo has become Chelsea's engine. He was the only player to start every league match last season, topping club charts for minutes played, tackles, and interceptions. His commanding performance against LAFC underscored his importance in regaining and recycling possession.

What to Expect

This semi-final promises to be a tactical chess match between two sides with contrasting styles but equal ambition. Flamengo's flair and offensive creativity, spearheaded by De Arrascaeta, Araújo, and Jorginho, will look to penetrate Chelsea's structured defense. On the other side, Chelsea's combination of resilience and ingenuity—led by Palmer, Fernández, and Caicedo—will aim to disrupt Flamengo's rhythm and strike decisively.

With a place in the final at stake, expect a fiercely contested battle where control of midfield and execution in key moments will likely determine the winner. Whoever manages to best blend attacking sharpness with defensive discipline will have the upper hand in this marquee Club W Cup encounter.