Chelsea Scores Late to Overcome Palmeiras and Secure Semi-Final Clash with Fluminense

Chelsea has secured their spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), triumphing over Palmeiras with a scoreline of 2-1 in Philadelphia. This victory brought an end to the Brazilian club’s unbeaten streak in the tournament, which lasted four matches (two wins and two draws).

Entering the match, Chelsea aimed to avoid succumbing to a second loss against Brazilian competition in the CWC. Just four minutes in, Enzo Maresca’s squad nearly opened the scoring when Cole Palmer attempted to curl a shot from outside the box, but Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton was quick to react, pushing the ball away from danger.

However, Palmer found the back of the net 16 minutes into the match, coolly placing a shot into the bottom-left corner from just inside the penalty area after a brilliant first touch.

The Blues maintained their dominance as the first half progressed, with Palmeiras fending off wave after wave of Chelsea attacks. One prime opportunity fell to Christopher Nkunku, who, after being set up by Palmer, sent his shot soaring over the bar from a good position inside the box.

As the half-time whistle approached, Palmeiras almost equalised when Vanderlan’s header aimed for the top-left corner was saved magnificently by Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez.

The Brazilian side emerged from the break with renewed vigour and were rewarded for their efforts shortly after half-time. It was Chelsea-bound teen sensation Estevao who delivered a stunning equaliser, lashing his shot off the crossbar and past a stationary Sánchez.

As Verdao began to find their rhythm, they nearly took the lead just after the hour mark, with Allan’s shot narrowly missing the left post.

Tension mounted as the match neared its conclusion, but Chelsea snatched a rather fortunate late winner with just seven minutes remaining. A deflected cross from Malo Gusto inadvertently fooled Weverton, allowing the ball to trickle over the goal line.

Despite Weverton’s valiant effort to save a late strike from Noni Madueke, the outcome remained unchanged as Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face another Brazilian opponent, Fluminense.

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