Cole Palmer opened the scoring and Malo Gusto’s late deflected cross sealed it as Chelsea edged past Palmeiras 2-1 to reach the Club World Cup semifinals, surviving a spirited Brazilian comeback in front of a raucous Philadelphia crowd.
Chelsea looked in control from the outset at Lincoln Financial Field, bossing possession and probing Palmeiras’ makeshift defence. Palmer, once again the heartbeat of Enzo Maresca’s attack, slotted home with poise in the 16th minute after a mazy run and sharp finish.
The Blues could’ve had more as Christopher Nkunku blazed over from close range, but Palmeiras, depleted but defiant, didn’t fold. Just after the break, teenage prodigy Estevão, set to join Chelsea later this month, unleashed a thunderbolt from a tight angle that rattled the bar and dropped in for a stunning equaliser.
It was a moment of sheer quality and defiance from the 18-year-old, a glimpse of the flair Stamford Bridge fans can soon expect. Chelsea’s response, though, was mature. Gusto’s cross in the 83rd minute, unintentionally helped in by a Fuchs deflection and Weverton’s misfortune, proved decisive.
Despite missing key midfielders Caicedo and Lavia, Chelsea’s young Andrey Santos rose to the challenge in his first competitive start. Calm on the ball and alert defensively, the Brazilian anchored midfield with maturity well beyond his years.
Maresca praised the team’s control in the first half and resolve in the second. “They scored and the game changed,” he admitted, “but at the end, we deserved it.”
The 65,000-strong crowd roared under the Philadelphia lights, creating one of the tournament’s best atmospheres. With Fluminense up next, Chelsea are just two matches from global glory and growing with every step.
