Chelsea secured a tense 2-1 victory against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, thanks to a late own goal from Weverton. The match saw Chelsea advance, setting up a semi-final clash with Brazilian rivals Fluminense in New York on Tuesday.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea in the first half, demonstrating impressive skill as he weaved past defenders to find the back of the net in the 16th minute. The English side started strong despite missing key players Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, with 21-year-old Andrey Santos making his first start since joining the club two and a half years ago. Chelsea’s offense troubled Palmeiras consistently, particularly through Pedro Neto’s attacking runs down the right flank.
However, Palmeiras came alive in the second half, quickly turning the tide during a spirited push. Teenager Estêvão, who is set to join Chelsea in the future, equalized in the 53rd minute with a spectacular shot from a tight angle. His effort, which struck the underside of the crossbar and went in, was hailed as a potential goal of the tournament, showcasing his talent and potential.
Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the challenging nature of the match, noting that while they controlled the first half, Palmeiras’ response after halftime changed the game’s dynamics. Nevertheless, Chelsea managed to find the winner late in the match when Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off a defender and wrong-footed Weverton, sealing the win for Chelsea.
The match highlighted Chelsea’s depth and resilience, with a crucial victory that propels them into the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their strong form against Fluminense.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where a single moment can alter the course of the game. Chelsea’s experience and composure in high-pressure situations will be crucial as they aim for a spot in the final, bringing hope to their fans as they face strong opposition from Brazil.