Chelsea have officially secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brazilian giants Palmeiras in an intense quarter-final encounter. The match, played in front of a lively crowd, was full of drama, technical quality, and individual brilliance as both sides battled for a spot among the final four.
Cole Palmer set the tone early for Chelsea, opening the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish. The 22-year-old forward showcased his skill and confidence as he dribbled past two Palmeiras defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper, sending the Chelsea fans into wild celebrations and giving his side a crucial lead.
Despite Chelsea’s early advantage, Palmeiras were far from discouraged. The Brazilian side regrouped during the halftime break and came out with renewed energy. Their efforts paid off in the 53rd minute when teenage sensation Estevao Willian delivered a moment of magic. The 18-year-old forward, who is already set to join Chelsea next summer in a highly anticipated £52 million move, fired a brilliant equaliser from a tight angle that left Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with no chance. Estevao’s goal was met with loud cheers from the Palmeiras supporters and highlighted his rising status as one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents.
However, Chelsea quickly regained control of the game. Just minutes after Palmeiras equalised, the Blues reclaimed the lead thanks to an unfortunate own goal. Malo Gusto’s dangerous low cross into the box was deflected into the net by Palmeiras defender Giay Agustin, putting Chelsea back in front and ultimately sealing the win for the Premier League side.
The match also saw the debut of Chelsea’s new £55 million signing Joao Pedro, who recently arrived from Brighton. The Brazilian forward impressed with his movement and energy, providing glimpses of his potential impact on the team moving forward. Meanwhile, young striker Liam Delap was shown a yellow card for a late challenge, a booking that means he will miss the upcoming semi-final through suspension, a blow for Chelsea’s attacking options.
Adding to Chelsea’s challenges, club captain Reece James was forced to withdraw during the pre-match warm-up due to an injury scare. His absence was felt on the pitch and raises further concerns as Chelsea look to navigate the latter stages of the tournament with a strong but increasingly depleted squad.
The win sets up an exciting semi-final clash against fellow Brazilian side Fluminense, scheduled for Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a high-octane encounter as Chelsea continue their quest to win their first FIFA Club World Cup title since 2021 and further cement their global dominance.