Chelsea edged their way past Palmeiras

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Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea edged their way past Palmeiras to book a place in the Club World Cup semi-final, helped by a late slice of good fortune. 

Author | Lauren W

Stadium |  Lincoln Financial Field

Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea_20250707_082845_0000

The Blues will now face Fluminense at MetLife Stadium as their quest to become champions of the world continues.

A closer look at what happened and why it happened 

Enzo Maresca was forced into four changes to his starting line-up, with as many players unavailable. Moises Caicedo missed out through suspension, while Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia were not fit enough to be involved.

Reece James had been expected to feature in midfield, but the captain was withdrawn shortly before kick-off, handing Andrey Santos his first start for Chelsea.

Trevoh Chalobah returned at centre-back alongside Levi Colwill, while with James and both of the central midfielders from the win over Benfica unavailable, Enzo Fernández operated in a slightly deeper role alongside Santos. Malo Gusto came in at right-back and Christopher Nkunku was handed a more advanced role.

READ MORE | Club World Cup news and stories

READ MORE | Real Madrid 3 - 2 Borussia Dortmund 

Once the action started, Chelsea were completely dominant throughout the first half. They enjoyed 68 per cent possession and had nine shots at goal, with four on target, compared to Palmeiras managing two shots and their first attempt on target did not arrive until the 42nd minute.

Cole Palmer had given Chelsea the lead before the break, weaving inside two defenders before calmly finding the bottom corner. Palmeiras struck back early in the second half, Estevão hammering the ball in off the underside of the bar from a tight angle.

The winner came fortuitously, Malo Gusto’s cross deflecting off Agustín and looping in via the arm of goalkeeper Weverton.

Location: One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

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