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Chelsea Knockout Palmeiras to Reach Club World Cup Semi-Final.
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Estevao Willian scored against his future club Chelsea in the second half.
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Chelsea face Fluminense next amid injury and suspension concerns.
Chelsea secured their place in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Palmeiras on Friday, July 5.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the match, played at the Lincoln Financial Field, saw Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian steal the spotlight with a brilliant equaliser against his soon-to-be club. The 18-year-old, who recently completed a £52 million move to Chelsea, delivered a moment of magic just eight minutes into the second half, levelling the score for Palmeiras from a tight angle. Despite the celebration, Estevao was visibly restrained, aware it could be his last goal against the Blues.
Chelsea had earlier taken the lead in the 16th minute through Cole Palmer, who calmly finished a well-worked move to put the Premier League side ahead. The Blues dominated much of the first half, but Palmeiras remained a persistent threat on the counter-attack.
Palmeiras’ equaliser was short-lived, as Chelsea responded swiftly. Malo Gusto’s low cross into the box was deflected by Palmeiras defender Giay Agustin into his own net, restoring Chelsea’s lead and ultimately sealing the victory.
However, Chelsea’s progression came with setbacks. Team captain Reece James was forced out of the starting lineup after sustaining an injury during warm-up, while midfielder Romeo Lavia was again unavailable due to a knock.
There was further frustration for Chelsea as young striker Liam Delap received a second yellow card in the tournament just before halftime following an unnecessary challenge on Richard Rios. The booking means Delap is now suspended for the semi-final.
Chelsea will now prepare to face Brazilian side Fluminense, the club of their former defender Thiago Silva, in the semi-final on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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