‘Perfect night’ for Chelsea as ‘exciting’ Estevao gives glimpse of future
Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Blues dominated large portions of the match but needed a stroke of fortune late on to clinch the win.
Cole Palmer’s first-half strike and a late own-goal by Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton ensured Chelsea progressed to the final four, where they will now face Fluminense on Tuesday night in New Jersey.
Bright Start and Palmer’s Composed Finish
Enzo Maresca’s side came out firing in the opening half, showing composure and quality in possession. With 68% possession and nine shots before the break, Chelsea were in total control.
Cole Palmer, once again, led from the front. The England international peppered the Palmeiras goal with early efforts and eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. With a deft touch on the edge of the area, Palmer created space and slotted home a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Chelsea had several chances to extend their lead, with Enzo Fernandez and Trevoh Chalobah both going close, while Christopher Nkunku fired over following another slick attacking move.
Palmeiras Respond After the Break
Palmeiras improved markedly in the second half. Their equaliser came in the 53rd minute through 18-year-old Estêvão Willian — a future Chelsea signing. The Brazilian wonderkid produced a moment of individual brilliance, controlling the ball expertly before rifling a powerful strike past Robert Sanchez, off the crossbar and in.
Maresca reacted quickly, bringing on Joao Pedro and Noni Madueke, both of whom made immediate impacts. However, the game became more open and Palmeiras began to pose a greater attacking threat, with Levi Colwill making a key block to deny Vitor Roque.
Gusto Forces Decisive Goal
With the match heading for a tense finale, Chelsea regained control and found the winner in the 83rd minute. Malo Gusto’s low cross deflected off a Palmeiras defender and caught Weverton off guard. The goalkeeper misjudged the ball’s change of direction, inadvertently helping it into his own net.
Chelsea pushed for a third in stoppage time. Joao Pedro and Madueke both went close — the latter striking the post after a surging run — but the Blues had done enough to seal the win.
Team News and Tribute
Chelsea were forced into a late change before kick-off as captain Reece James withdrew. Andrey Santos stepped in for his first start, with Enzo Fernandez dropping deeper in midfield. Moises Caicedo (suspension), Benoit Badiashile, and Romeo Lavia (injuries) were unavailable.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a moment of silence in memory of former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away earlier in the week.
Chelsea will now face Fluminense — featuring club legend Thiago Silva — in the semi-final on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm local time (8pm UK time).
Match Summary
Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras
Goals:
- Chelsea: Palmer (16′), Weverton (OG 83′)
- Palmeiras: Estêvão (53′)
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Santos (Essugo 90+1), Fernandez; Neto (Dewsbury-Hall 87), Palmer, Nkunku (Madueke 55); Delap (Joao Pedro 55).
Booked: Gusto, Delap, Colwill
Palmeiras XI: Weverton, Vanderlan, Fuchs, Micael, Giay, Ríos (Veiga 85), Martínez (Moreno 76), Torres (Paulinho 67), Allan (Mauricio 67), Estêvão, Roque (Lopez 76)
Booked: Ríos (78)
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