Chelsea are through to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-1 win over Brazilian side Palmeiras on Saturday night in Philadelphia.
The English side took the lead early in the game through Cole Palmer, who scored in the 16th minute after a fine team move. But Palmeiras pulled level in the second half when 18-year-old Estêvão scored a brilliant equaliser from a tight angle.
Just when the match seemed to be heading for extra time, Chelsea got lucky. A cross from Malo Gusto in the 83rd minute took two deflections — the last one from Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay — and ended up in the net. The goal was recorded as an own goal by goalkeeper Weverton, who was wrong-footed by the deflection.
Palmeiras fought hard till the end, but Chelsea held on to grab the win and move on to face Fluminense in Tuesday’s semi-final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea had more possession (62.7%) and more shots on goal (19) compared to Palmeiras’ 7. Despite the narrow scoreline, the English side created more chances and looked the better team overall.
Coach Enzo Maresca praised his players for staying strong in a tough game.
“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,” Maresca told DAZN after the match.
Chelsea will miss two players in the semi-final. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are both suspended after picking up yellow cards in the match. However, midfielder Moises Caicedo will return to the team after serving a one-match ban.
One of the standout performers on the night was Palmeiras’ Estêvão. The teenager, who has already signed with Chelsea and will join the club after the tournament, impressed many with his goal and all-round display.
