Chelsea players celebrating one of thier goals against Palmeiras
By Richard Tega Enyeh
Chelsea football club have defeated Brazilian giants Palmeiras 2-1 in a quarter-final match.
The match was played in the early hours of Saturday at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
The Blues will face another Brazilian side, Fluminense on July 8 at MetLife Stadium.
The match between Chelsea and Palmeiras was viewed as a rematch of the 2021 final. It showcased Chelsea’s resilience and attacking flair against a disciplined Palmeiras side.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a moment of individual brilliance, giving Chelsea an early lead. The Blues dominated the first half, creating seven chances to Palmeiras’ one, but goalkeeper Weverton’s heroics kept the scoreline tight.
Palmeiras fought back after the break, with 18-year-old Estêvão, set to join Chelsea post-tournament, leveling the score in the 53rd minute with a precise angled shot.
The momentum shifted as Palmeiras pressed, but Chelsea’s defense, led by Levi Colwill, held firm.The decisive moment came late in the 82nd minute when Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off Palmeiras’ Agustín Giay, wrong-footing Weverton for an own goal.
Despite four minutes of added time and a late save by Weverton off Noni Madueke’s shot, Chelsea sealed the win. Palmeiras’ Estêvão earned Player of the Match for his dynamic performance, including 16 open-play sequences and eight shots.
Despite missing key players like Moises Caicedo and Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea’s depth shone through, with new signing João Pedro bolstering their squad. The Blues now face Fluminense, aiming to continue their quest for a second Club World Cup title.
