Chelsea Storm Into Club World Cup Final Four After Epic Battle Against Palmeiras
Chelsea overcame Palmeiras with a 2-1 victory to advance to the Club World Cup semifinals in a match that proved more challenging than the opening period suggested.
The London side started aggressively, with Cole Palmer netting a spectacular strike to give them the advantage before halftime. However, Palmeiras responded in the early stages of the second period through a powerful effort from prospective Chelsea signing Estêvão Willian.
The contest remained evenly poised thereafter, but a costly mistake by the Brazilian side's keeper allowed Chelsea to regain their advantage with under 10 minutes remaining. The English club maintained their lead until the final whistle, securing their place in the next round with composure.
Enzo Maresca's team now stand just one match away from competing for the championship. They will meet Fluminense, marking their third encounter with Brazilian opposition in this competition, during the semifinal stage. Chelsea enter as the preferred side following this well-earned triumph, though there remains scope for enhancement.
Key observations from Chelsea's victory are outlined below.
A Tale of Two Halves
Although managing only a single goal, Chelsea's opening 45 minutes represented their finest football display since their second-half showing against Real Betis that secured the Conference League crown in late May.
Maresca's squad controlled Palmeiras across all aspects of play, matching the Brazilian team's physical approach with superior technical ability throughout the field. The Blues maintained nearly 70% ball possession and completed over 150 additional passes during the first period. They also registered nine attempts compared to their opponents' solitary effort.
Certain moments in the first half showcased Maresca's tactical approach working flawlessly, with distinct offensive movements emerging and a well-coordinated defensive press enabling Chelsea to regain possession effortlessly.
However, the second half brought different circumstances.
Chelsea appeared transformed upon returning from the break. They immediately seemed under pressure against a more assertive Palmeiras team. It required merely eight minutes for the Brazilian side to equalize through an excellent finish from future Chelsea talent Estêvão Willian.
The Blues struggled to find their rhythm following the leveling goal, unable to dominate proceedings as they had earlier and appearing disorganized throughout. Palmeiras created several opportunities where their attacking players enjoyed considerable freedom, appearing threatening but lacking precision in their final execution.
Chelsea will celebrate the match result, but their second-half display could easily have resulted in elimination from the Club World Cup. Maresca's team has yet to produce a comprehensive 90-minute performance in this tournament, which must improve if they hope to contend for the title.
Welcome to the Club World Cup, Cole Palmer
Against Palmeiras, Palmer returned to his exceptional form. The England star was clearly the match's standout performer by a significant distance.
Palmer's positioning to create space in advanced areas was outstanding, his technical ability—particularly his initial touch—was exceptionally sharp. He appeared lively and involved, continuously seeking possession in his preferred right half-space position, while also dropping deeper to orchestrate attacks. Defensively, he was equally impressive, pressing relentlessly and contributing to several ball recoveries.
His strike was magnificent, reminiscent of his 2023-24 campaign brilliance, but numerous other moments throughout the match highlighted his exceptional talent. Emiliano Martínez, his primary opponent during the evening, struggled throughout and will likely remember Chelsea's number 10 for some time.
Palmer has experienced an inconsistent season, but against Palmeiras, he demonstrated his abilities and reinforced why he's regarded among the Premier League's elite players.
Blues' 2025-26 Reinforcements Shine
João Pedro made his Chelsea bow just two days following the confirmation of his Brighton transfer and delivered an immediate contribution.
Pedro generated two scoring opportunities and succeeded in both his dribbling attempts, requiring only a goal to complete what was an impressive first appearance with the Blues. The ex-Brighton forward appeared vibrant, enthusiastic and engaged, with his new colleagues frequently seeking him out to initiate attacking moves.
Liam Delap has already demonstrated potential in this competition but, despite arguably his weakest performance of the tournament, Pedro was available to provide support. Additionally, Pedro wasn't the sole Brazilian who impressed during the match.
Chelsea supporters were curious to observe how Estêvão would perform against his future colleagues. The 18-year-old was clearly Palmeiras' most threatening player, capping his display with a powerful strike that nearly ended Chelsea's semifinal hopes.
The result proved ideal for Chelsea. As Maresca stated, "Pleased because we secured victory and pleased because Estêvão found the net. It was the ideal evening."
Chelsea's new attacking additions proved decisive, and Jamie Gittens appearing on the field in Chelsea attire following the match while Palmer and other players conversed with Estêvão provided the perfect conclusion to the quarterfinal success.