Chelsea edged past Brazilian giants Palmeiras in a dramatic 2-1 quarter-final win at the Club World Cup on Friday, with an own goal by goalkeeper Weverton deciding the closely fought contest in Philadelphia. The win sends the Premier League side into a semi-final clash with Fluminense on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
While much of Philadelphia was celebrating the July 4th holiday, over 65,000 fans packed Lincoln Financial Field, and were treated to fireworks both on and off the pitch in a game full of intensity and flair.
Palmer Strike, Estevao Response
Chelsea took the lead in the 16th minute through Cole Palmer, whose solo effort lit up the first half. Receiving a pass from Trevoh Chalobah just outside the Palmeiras box, Palmer turned, surged forward and slotted a low shot past Weverton to make it 1-0.
Chelsea looked dominant early on and should have doubled their lead before the break, but Christopher Nkunku missed a golden opportunity after being teed up by Palmer.
However, Palmeiras responded strongly after the interval, and the equaliser came in the 53rd minute from Estevao Willian, the highly rated 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy who will join Chelsea after the tournament.
Estevao controlled a pass from Richard Rios inside the box, slipped past Levi Colwill with quick footwork, and fired a powerful shot that clipped the underside of the bar and beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Weverton’s Own Goal the Decider
Just as the game appeared to be heading to extra time, Chelsea secured the win in the 83rd minute in bizarre fashion. A low cross from Malo Gusto, after a short corner routine, took a wicked deflection off Agustin Giay’s toe and cannoned off goalkeeper Weverton, who could not react in time. The ball rolled into the net for what went down as an own goal.
In the first half we were in control and could have scored more,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. “They started the second half better, but in the last 25 minutes we took control again. I think we deserved to win without being lucky.”
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira offered a candid assessment of the loss:
Overall Chelsea was better. They have better players and a better coach. They were lucky with the way they scored the second goal, but that can happen in football.”
Emotional Subplots and New Faces
The match was marked by several emotional and notable moments. Chelsea handed a first start to Andrey Santos, stepping in for the suspended Moises Caicedo. New signing Joao Pedro also made his debut, becoming the 27th player used by Maresca during the tournament.
On Palmeiras’ side, Estevao Willian, playing what could be his final match for the Sao Paulo club, stood out against his future employers, impressing with flair, composure, and a well-taken goal.
Meanwhile, Pedro Neto played for Chelsea just one day after learning of the tragic death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, choosing to take the field despite the emotional toll.
Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-finals on Tuesday as they chase their second Club World Cup title, following their previous triumph in 2022 — also against Palmeiras.
