Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described the atmosphere as “strange” after their 2-0 win over LAFC was played in front of just 22,000 fans at the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Blues, making their Club World Cup debut as UEFA Conference League winners, secured a comfortable victory but were met with rows of empty seats during the Monday afternoon kickoff.

Maresca admitted the team had expected a larger turnout and praised his players for staying focused despite the subdued setting.

He added that the next game against Flamengo in Philadelphia should draw a better crowd, citing the strong fan support typically seen with Brazilian clubs.

In contrast, other matches at the tournament have drawn much larger crowds—over 80,000 watched PSG vs Atletico at the Rose Bowl, while more than 60,000 saw Inter Miami face Al Ahly.

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo also noted the low attendance but cautioned against early judgments, suggesting opinions on the new expanded format should wait until the tournament concludes.