Chelsea have progressed to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after dispatching Brazilian giants Palmeiras 2-1 in a high-octane encounter held in Philadelphia. The result not only ended Verdão’s four-match unbeaten run in the tournament but also underscored the Premier League side’s intent to make a statement on the global stage.
Keen to avoid another upset against Brazilian opposition, Chelsea started aggressively. Inside just four minutes, Cole Palmer tested Weverton with a curling effort from outside the box. Though the Brazilian keeper responded well, he could do little to prevent Palmer from scoring moments later. The young forward received the ball just inside the area and calmly slotted home to hand Chelsea the lead in the 16th minute.
With the Blues dictating proceedings, Palmeiras found themselves under constant pressure. One of the first-half’s standout moments came when Palmer delivered an inch-perfect ball to Christopher Nkunku, only for the Frenchman to blaze his shot over the bar despite finding himself in acres of space.
Just before halftime, Palmeiras nearly equalized through Vanderlan, whose header was brilliantly parried away by Robert Sánchez, maintaining Chelsea’s advantage.
The Brazilians returned from the break revitalized and were soon rewarded. Ironically, it was Chelsea-bound prodigy Estêvão who pulled them level with a thunderous strike that cannoned in off the crossbar — leaving Sánchez rooted to the spot.
Palmeiras gained confidence from the goal and nearly turned the game around when Allan’s shot drifted narrowly past the post. But the turning point came in the 83rd minute when Malo Gusto’s cross, unintentionally redirected by Bruno Fuchs, deceived Weverton and bounced over the goal line for what proved to be the winner.
Weverton did manage to tip a Noni Madueke effort onto the post in the dying moments, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result for Palmeiras. Chelsea now gear up for a showdown with Fluminense in what promises to be a thrilling all-or-nothing semi-final.
