Chelsea Stuns Palmeiras 2-1 to Storm Into Club World Cup Semifinals
Chelsea demonstrated superior performance throughout the evening and managed to withstand Palmeiras' second-half comeback attempt, securing a 2-1 victory over the Brazilian side in the Club World Cup quarterfinal clash.
The London club controlled the early stages of the match, displaying fluid and energetic play despite missing several important players. Following a few promising build-ups, Cole Palmer netted his inaugural Club World Cup goal with an excellent first touch followed by a composed curled finish into the lower corner.
Although Chelsea maintained their clear superiority throughout the opening period, they failed to extend their advantage before the interval.
While Chelsea excelled in the first 45 minutes, their performance deteriorated significantly at the start of the second period. Palmeiras emerged from the break looking revitalized and earned their equalizer just eight minutes after the restart.
Prospective Chelsea signing Estêvão Willian collected the ball in space as he moved into the penalty area, and despite appearing to have limited options, he unleashed a spectacular near-post strike that found the net after striking the crossbar. Robert Sánchez was taken off guard, and the future Blue celebrated as though he had scored against El Verdão's greatest rivals.
The encounter transformed into an end-to-end affair for the remaining portion of the second half, with both sides creating numerous chances in an open contest. The outcome remained uncertain until Chelsea regained their advantage in the 83rd minute. Malo Gusto delivered a cross that deflected before being poorly handled by Weverton, causing the ball to roll into the goal in what was credited as an own goal.
Chelsea managed the closing stages effectively and sealed their progression. Next up is a semifinal encounter against Fluminense with a place in the final at stake.
Palmeiras Player Ratings vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings Provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Weverton | 6.9 |
RB: Agustín Giay | 5.2 |
CB: Micael | 6.9 |
CB: Bruno Fuchs | 6.0 |
LB: Vanderlan | 5.7 |
CM: Richard Ríos | 7.0 |
CM: Emiliano Martínez | 6.5 |
RW: Allan | 6.1 |
AM: Estêvão | 7.0 |
LW: Facundo Torres | 5.9 |
ST: Vitor Roque | 6.2 |
SUB: Mauricio (67' for Allan) | 6.1 |
SUB: Paulinho (67' for Torres) | 6.1 |
SUB: Aníbal Moreno (75' for Martínez) | 6.0 |
SUB: José López (75' for Roque) | 6.0 |
SUB: Raphael Veiga (85' for Ríos) | N/A |
Subs not used: Marcelo Lomba (GK), Mateus Oliveira (GK), Kaiky Naves, Luis Benedetti, Marcos Rocha, Mayke, Lucas Evangelista, Felipe Anderson, Luighi, Thalys
Chelsea Player Ratings vs. Palmeiras (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings Provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Robert Sánchez | 6.7 |
RB: Malo Gusto | 7.5 |
CB: Trevoh Chalobah | 8.2 |
CB: Levi Colwill | 7.5 |
LB: Marc Cucurella | 7.5 |
CM: Andrey Santos | 7.5 |
CM: Enzo Fernández | 7.3 |
RW: Pedro Neto | 7.7 |
AM: Cole Palmer | 8.0 |
LW: Christopher Nkunku | 6.6 |
ST: Liam Delap | 6.0 |
SUB: João Pedro (54' for Delap) | 7.0 |
SUB: Noni Madueke (54' for Nkunku) | 6.5 |
SUB: Pedro Neto (87' for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall) | N/A |
SUB: Dario Essugo (90' for Andrey Santos) | N/A |
Subs not used: Filip Jörgensen (GK), Gabriel Slonina (GK), Mike Penders (GK), Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson, Tyrique George