FIFA Club World Cup: Palmeiras edge Botafogo, set up Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea

Femi Fabunmi

Two teams have secured their places in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The first team to qualify was Palmeiras, who defeated fellow Brazilian club Botafogo 1-0. The match was tightly contested and ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.

In the 100th minute, Paulinho scored the winning goal for Palmeiras after cutting in from the right wing and shooting past the goalkeeper.

With this victory, Palmeiras will now face Chelsea in the next round.

Chelsea earned their quarter-final spot after defeating Benfica 4-1 in a dramatic match played in Charlotte, USA. The game, which started on Saturday, had to be paused due to bad weather and was concluded on Sunday.

In the second half, Reece James put Chelsea ahead with a brilliant free-kick. However, after the match resumed, Angel Di Maria equalised for Benfica with a penalty.

During extra time, Chelsea showed their strength as they scored three more goals through Christopher Nkunku, Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to seal the victory.

Both Palmeiras and Chelsea will now prepare for their tough quarter-final clash as they continue their quest to lift the Club World Cup.