Chelsea fought hard to emerge as 2-1 victors over the Brazilian star-studded team of Palmeiras to secure a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in Philadelphia, thus putting a stop to Verdao’s four-game unbeaten run in the tournament.
Palmer put Chelsea ahead early in the 16th minute slotting the ball into the left-hand corner of the net after a good first touch and a precise finish off the edge of the box in a composed manner providing the assist. Palmer had sent Weverton one way with a curling shot before, and Nkunku had made a poor attempt to increase Chelsea’s goal tally just before the half-time whistle.
Just before the half-time whistle, it was the Verde side that nearly equalized, however, a stupendous save from Robert Sánchez thwarted Vanderlan’s header. Palmeiras were more active in the second half and they were able to stage a deserved comeback after Estevao, Chelsea’s latest signee, put his name to the score sheet by smashing his shot past the keeper from a tight angle.
Palmeiras, then, kept the pressure on and came close to winning the match when Allan’s low shot missed the far post by a whisker. Fortunately, Chelsea broke the deadlock late in the game, as the deflected cross from Malo Gusto fooled Weverton and sneaked in the goal.
In the dying moments, Noni Madueke’s try was denied by a post, and hence, Chelsea secured the win and advanced to the next round where they are to play against Fluminense.
