Chelsea FC secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras. The match was held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as part of the tournament’s quarter-final stage, currently taking place in the United States.
Match Highlights: Palmer Shines, Weverton’s Own Goal Seals the Win
The Blues started strong, with Cole Palmer opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Palmeiras equalized in the second half through young star Estevão Willian in the 53rd minute. Interestingly, Estevão had already signed with Chelsea in the summer of 2024 but couldn’t join the team until after the tournament due to age restrictions. In the 83rd minute, Palmeiras’ goalkeeper Weverton mistakenly put the ball into his own net, handing Chelsea the decisive goal.
Chelsea to Face Fluminense in the Next Round
Chelsea is set to meet another Brazilian club, Fluminense, in the semi-finals. Fluminense reached this stage after eliminating Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals, setting up a thrilling clash between English and Brazilian giants.
Starting Lineups for Both Teams
Chelsea’s starting XI featured: goalkeeper Robert Sánchez; defenders Chalobah, Cucurella, Colwill, and Gusto; midfielders James, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer; and a forward line consisting of Liam Delap, Neto, and Nkunku.
Palmeiras lined up with Weverton in goal; defenders Agustín Gay, Bruno Fuchs, Michel, and Vanderlan; midfielders Richard Ríos, Martínez, and Alan; and forwards Estevão, Vitor Roque, and Facundo Torres.
Chelsea’s starting XI featured: goalkeeper Robert Sánchez; defenders Chalobah, Cucurella, Colwill, and Gusto; midfielders James, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer; and a forward line consisting of Liam Delap, Neto, and Nkunku.
Palmeiras lined up with Weverton in goal; defenders Agustín Gay, Bruno Fuchs, Michel, and Vanderlan; midfielders Richard Ríos, Martínez, and Alan; and forwards Estevão, Vitor Roque, and Facundo Torres.