Having only signed earlier in the week, it was a hugely impressive display from the Brazilian who came onto the pitch with the game finely poised at 1-1 after Cole Palmer had broken the deadlock following a quarter of an hour, before the Brazilian side equalised early in the second half.

Joao Pedro helped to control the game, bringing down swooping long passes and producing some mazy runs to outdo defenders. The signing from Brighton & Hove Albion could have scored either side of what proved to be our equaliser on 83 minutes.

The forward was pleased with his first appearance, especially helping his new team earn a place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

‘It’s an important win,’ Joao Pedro smiled. ‘I was on holiday, so to come on and to play like I did is very satisfying for me.

‘I’m very happy to get through to the next round, but now we need to rest and focus on Fluminense.’

Joao Pedro was also pleased to link up with Cole on the grass, whilst helping to fulfil Enzo Maresca’s instructions.

‘Cole is a very good player,’ he said. ‘Everyone knows that he can change the game like he did today and I enjoyed playing alongside him.

‘The manager told me to play free, do my best and I think I did. It’s important we got through to the next round.’

He also enjoyed geeing up the Blues supporters during the match, striking an instant bond with them, adding: ‘In Brazil, it’s normal for us to play with the fans so I tried to be connected with them.’

Now a tie with Fluminense in New York awaits on Tuesday, and for Joao Pedro, it has extra significance with the forward having begun his professional career with the Rio-based club.

He added: ‘It will be nice to see some friends, but I think now I need to focus on Chelsea. I need to enjoy the next game and we will see a few friends.’

Chelsea's Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense will be shown live by DAZN and you can watch by signing up for free here.