Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras on Friday, in a match that saw future Blues player Estevão Willian score against his new club.
Cole Palmer gave the Premier League side the lead in the 16th minute with a well-taken goal. However, teenage sensation Estevão, whose high-profile transfer to Chelsea is set to be completed after the tournament, scored a superb equaliser for Palmeiras early in the second half. The 18-year-old Brazil international demonstrated his quality with a powerful shot from a tight angle in the 53rd minute.
Chelsea’s winner came in fortunate circumstances when a cross from Malo Gusto deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay and into his own net.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash for Chelsea against another Brazilian club, Fluminense, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
The win, however, came at a cost for Enzo Maresca’s side. Captain Reece James was withdrawn after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up, while both striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill picked up yellow cards, ruling them out of the semi-final through suspension.
The match also marked a debut for Chelsea’s new £55 million signing, João Pedro, who recently joined from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite the defeat, the performance of Estevão will have given Chelsea fans significant excitement for the future. His goal against his soon-to-be employers was a memorable way to conclude his Palmeiras career before his reported £52 million move to Stamford Bridge.
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