Joao Pedro made a compelling debut for Chelsea during their 2-1 triumph over Palmeiras, a victory that propelled the team into the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. The Brazilian forward, who just joined the club from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the week, thrived in his first outing, coming on as a substitution with the match tied at 1-1.
His performance was marked by his ability to maintain possession, skillfully controlling long passes and exhibiting impressive footwork to navigate past defenders. Throughout the match, he almost found the net on two occasions prior to Chelsea’s crucial equalizer, scored in the 83rd minute.
Expressing his contentment post-match, Joao Pedro reflected on the significance of the win, saying, “It’s an important win…to come on and play like I did is very satisfying for me.” He emphasizes the need for the team to recover and prepare for their next challenge against Fluminense, a club where he began his professional career.
Highlighting his connection with fellow teammate Cole Palmer, he noted, “Cole is a very good player… and I enjoyed playing alongside him.” He also made an effort to engage with the Blues supporters, noting the importance of their connection during matches, which is a customary practice back in Brazil.
The upcoming semi-final against Fluminense, scheduled for Tuesday in New York, holds personal significance for Joao Pedro, offering him a chance to reconnect with friends while focusing on his role with Chelsea.
The anticipation for the semi-final is building, and for Joao Pedro, this matchup adds an exciting chapter to his promising career with the Blues.