Chelsea secured their spot in the semi-final of the Fifa Club World Cup 2025 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Brazilian club Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – despite Estevao Willian netting against the club he is about to join.
Converting Trevor Chalobah’s assist, English midfielder, Cole Palmer, opened scoring for Enzo Maresca’s Blues in the 16th minute, and, after Estevao had levelled early in the second half, Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off defender Giay Agustin and into his own goal to seal victory.
Focus will shift to Brazil’s teenage star Estevao, who netted a beautiful equalizer from a tight spot in the 53rd minute.
Estevao, 18-year-old Brazil international, will now seal a move to Chelsea, in a deal that could be worth £52m.
Blues Italian manager, Maresca, handed a debut to £55m signing Joao Pedro, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion just two days ago, however, both Liam Delap and Levi Colwill picked up yellow cards and have bagged suspension for the semi-final while captain Reece James picked up an injury in the warm up.
Chelsea will now play against Fluminense in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Estevao’s performance by scoring a goal is a perfect way to make himself known to his new employers; also a fine way to say goodbye to Palmeiras.
Midfielder, Cole Palmer, and forward, Pedro Neto, were amazing all through the showdown however, new signing, Joao Pedro’s debut was also very bright and he was unlucky not to mark the occasion by hitting the back of the net.
For Palmer, it was an end to an eight-game without a goal for club and country on Saturday morning.
