Chelsea advances to Club World Cup semis after late drama against Palmeiras
- Chelsea opened the match with a goal by Cole Palmer in the 16th minute.
- Estevao Willian equalized for Palmeiras with a stunning strike.
- Chelsea's late own goal ensured their advance to the semi-finals against Fluminense.
In the United States, Chelsea faced Palmeiras in a thrilling encounter during the Club World Cup quarter-finals on July 7, 2025. The match took place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where a vibrant crowd of 65,782 witnessed the action. Chelsea took the lead early on with a remarkable goal from Cole Palmer in the 16th minute. However, Palmeiras struck back with a stunning equalizer from Estevao Willian, who will join Chelsea after the tournament. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Malo Gusto's deflected cross found its way into the net, securing a 2-1 victory for Chelsea and a place in the semi-finals against Fluminense. The match was marked by high drama, showcasing both teams' skills and resilience, but it ultimately highlighted Chelsea's determination to overcome challenges and secure their spot in the next round. The win was met with celebration from Chelsea’s supporters, while Estevao expressed his gratitude towards Palmeiras despite the loss. As the competition progresses, Chelsea aims to maintain their momentum and focus on winning the Club World Cup trophy, supported by the return of key players from injury for the upcoming match.