Where are the fans? — Chelsea boss Maresca reacts to 'strange' Club World Cup opener against LAFC

Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez powered Chelsea to a winning start against Los Angeles FC, in front of just 22,137 fans at the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Arena.

"It was a good match, a good performance," said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

"I think the environment was a bit strange - the stadium was almost empty, not full. But, overall, I think after almost three weeks off we started quite well, we created chances, we won the game, and got a clean sheet.

"We were able to use different players, so overall [I am] happy."

New signing Liam Delap came off the bench in the second half, making an immediate impact by assisting Chelsea’s second goal. Despite the match serving as a chance for Maresca to assess his squad, attention turned to the low attendance.

"We are professional, and we have to adapt to the situation and the environment. You have to adapt when you play with a full stadium. You have to adapt when the stadium is not full," Maresca concluded.

Up next for Chelsea is a game against Brazilian side Flamengo at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.