Chelsea Defeat Palmeiras 2-1 to Book Club World Cup Semi-Final Spot
Palmer and Gusto Lead the Way as Blues Set Up Clash with Fluminense
Chelsea progressed to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over Brazilian side Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It was a tale of two halves, with Cole Palmer’s early goal giving the Blues the edge before a second-half fightback saw Estevao Willian equalise. A late own goal, forced by Malo Gusto, eventually sealed the win for Enzo Maresca’s side.
First-Half Brilliance from Chelsea
The Blues were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, controlling possession (68%) and peppering the Palmeiras goal with nine shots—four of which were on target. It was no surprise when Cole Palmer, who dictated the tempo from midfield, broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. His sharp first touch created space on the edge of the box, and he finished with composure using his left foot to find the bottom corner.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea
Chelsea had several chances to double the lead. Enzo Fernandez and Trevoh Chalobah both came close, and Christopher Nkunku fired over after a flowing move led by Palmer and Liam Delap.
Despite Chelsea’s control, Palmeiras offered a reminder of their danger late in the half with a threatening cross and a header on target from Vanderlan—their first shot testing Sanchez in goal.
Estevao’s Spark Changes the Game
Palmeiras emerged much improved after the break, and within eight minutes, they were level. The 18-year-old Estevao Willian—set to join Chelsea after this tournament—showed his potential with a stunning equaliser. A sharp first touch allowed him to unleash a powerful right-footed drive from a tight angle. The ball ricocheted in off the crossbar and far post, leaving Sanchez with no chance.
Estevao equalizer for Palmeiras
Maresca responded swiftly with a double substitution, bringing on Joao Pedro and Noni Madueke. Madueke made an immediate impact with a shot that was blocked for a corner, and Chelsea found themselves in a far more open contest.
Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella both went close, while Levi Colwill was called on to make a crucial block to deny Vitor Roque at the other end.
Fortuitous Winner Sends Chelsea Through
The winner came in the 83rd minute, and it was far from glamorous. After a short corner routine, Malo Gusto sent in a low cross that deflected off a Palmeiras defender and wrong-footed goalkeeper Weverton, who could only redirect it into his own net.
Malo Gusto’s cross that led to Chelsea second goal
Chelsea pushed for a third, with Madueke nearly scoring twice in stoppage time. His fierce strike was tipped onto the post, and a second effort slipped under Weverton but rolled wide.
A Mixed Bag but Job Done
While the second half lacked the authority Chelsea displayed in the first, the Blues ultimately deserved the win. Maresca’s side now turns their focus to Tuesday’s semi-final against Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
What’s Next?
Chelsea will face Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at 3pm local time (8pm UK).
Chelsea Starting XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Santos (Essugo 90+1), Enzo; Neto (Dewsbury-Hall 87), Palmer, Nkunku (Madueke 55); Delap (Joao Pedro 55)
Goals: Palmer 16’, Weverton (own goal) 83’
Bookings: Delap 45+3, Gusto 41, Colwill 86
Palmeiras Starting XI:
Weverton; Vanderlan, Bruno Fuchs, Micael, Giay; Emiliano Martínez (Moreno 76), Richard Ríos (Veiga 85), Torres (Paulinho 67), Allan (Mauricio 67); Estevao, Vitor Roque (Lopez 76)
Goal: Estevao 53’
Booking: Rios 78
Source: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/match-report-palmeiras-1-2-chelsea
