12 February 2056 – Drogba Arena, London
Chelsea’s dominance has become a weekly inevitability, a kind of footballing weather system that engulfs all in its path. Southampton, led by former Chelsea defender Luiz Dias, became the latest to experience the storm as Călin Dimario’s champions thundered to a 6–2 victory at the Drogba Arena.
Mario Cardozo, Chelsea’s ever-elegant Argentine creator, orchestrated the performance with two goals and a command of rhythm that bordered on artistry. His first — a 6th-minute free kick that kissed the post before nestling in — set the tone. Nacho Valera doubled the lead four minutes later, the Spaniard continuing his meteoric form with a close-range finish. José Franco made it three after a defensive lapse, before Joseph Haigh added a precise header on 31 minutes.
Cardozo struck again before the break with a thunderous effort off the post, his brace wrapping up a near-perfect half of football. Valera’s second arrived after the restart via a deflected volley, taking his season tally to twenty-five. Late strikes from Cole Pierrepont and Arwyn Rees provided minor consolation for the Saints, but the gulf in class was clear throughout.
Cardozo’s eight key passes, 13.9km covered, and 9.8 match rating were emblematic of his influence. “He’s the mind and metronome of this team,” one analyst noted post-match. Chelsea’s 27th straight league win leaves them within touching distance of securing yet another Premier Division crown — their 34th consecutive league title looming like destiny.
By Henry Vinter