Chelsea beat Brazilian side Palmeiras at the Lincoln Stadium in the quarter-final of the FIFA Club World Cup to set up a semi-final match against giant-killing machine Fluminense.
Fluminense, led by ex-Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, have dumped out Al Hilal and Inter Milan in the competition so far, so Chelsea face an uphill battle in the fight to reach the first final of the new FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Fluminense defeated Al Hilal earlier in the day 2–1, and Chelsea only needed to beat Palmeiras to set up a semi-final tie—and they did just that.
Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras Match Report
Chelsea started the game correctly, and even though Reece James could not feature and Moises Caicedo served a suspension, Chelsea still dominated the game in the first half. The Blues created half chances for Cole Palmer, who shot on goal from range, along with a few other opportunities that failed to materialize.
However, 15 minutes into the game, Cole Palmer stepped up perfectly for Chelsea. The Englishman received a pass from Trevoh Chalobah and, on the turn, weaved his way straight into Palmeiras’ box before placing the ball into the bottom left corner to give Chelsea the lead. The Blues had other chances to increase their lead but failed to take them.
In the second half, Palmeiras responded, and Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian stole a shot from inside Chelsea’s box to level the score for his side.
However, Palmeiras could not claim the night, as late on Malo Gusto won the game for Chelsea through a deflected shot inside the box.
Chelsea will face Fluminense in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on the 8th of July.
