EAST RUTHERFORD — Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hailed Joao Pedro after the striker’s brace sealed a 2-0 win over Fluminense, sending Chelsea into Sunday’s Club World Cup final against PSG or Real Madrid.

Joao, making his first start since his £60m move from Brighton, scored twice at the MetLife Stadium but chose not to celebrate against his boyhood club out of respect. “They gave me everything when I was young,” said the Brazilian, who was named player of the match.

Maresca praised Joao’s quality against defensive teams and expressed pride in restoring Chelsea to glory after a tough few seasons. Chelsea, who also won the Conference League and finished fourth in the Premier League, now chase another trophy.

However, Moises Caicedo’s fitness remains in doubt after he limped off late with an ankle injury.

Fluminense coach Renato Portaluppi admitted Chelsea deserved the win but called his team’s campaign “wonderful,” saying they regained respect for Brazilian football despite the loss.