Chelsea have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras in a tense quarter-final clash at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
England forward Cole Palmer gave Chelsea an early lead in the 16th minute, showing calmness in front of goal after a slick attacking move. However, that advantage was short-lived as Palmeiras’ teenage sensation Estêvão equalised in the 53rd minute with a brilliant solo effort, reminding fans why Chelsea have secured his signature for the future.
The match looked destined for extra time until disaster struck for the Brazilians. With just seven minutes to go, Malo Gusto whipped in a cross that deflected twice — the last off defender Agustin Giay — and wrong-footed goalkeeper Weverton, ending up in the back of the net. The goal was credited as an own goal by the Palmeiras shot-stopper.
Despite late pressure from Palmeiras and a nervy few minutes for Chelsea, the Premier League side held on to secure a semi-final date with another Brazilian opponent, Fluminense, on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea, who had more of the ball and created more chances throughout the game, will be without key players Levi Colwill and Liam Delap for the semi-final due to suspensions. However, midfield powerhouse Moises Caicedo will return after serving his one-match ban.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who recently lifted the UEFA Conference League with Chelsea, praised his team’s resilience after the match.
“It was a tough game as we expected. We needed a lot of energy because we are at the end of our season and they are at the beginning. I want to congratulate the players because they were very good,” he told DAZN.
The victory means Chelsea have now faced and defeated two of Brazil’s representatives at the tournament, having already lost to Flamengo in the group stage. Tuesday’s semi-final will be their third encounter with a Brazilian team at this Club World Cup.
Estevao, just 18 years, earned plaudits for his dazzling performance. The goal made him the second-youngest Brazilian to score in the tournament’s history, behind only Alexandre Pato. He also becomes the second-youngest goalscorer overall at this edition of the tournament.
Stats showed Chelsea’s dominance, registering 19 shots to Palmeiras’ 7, and enjoying 62.7% of possession. Despite the unfortunate own goal, Palmeiras won hearts with their spirited display.
Chelsea fans will now hope their youthful squad, full of promise and potential, can continue their impressive run when they face Fluminense in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
