Chelsea into FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals thanks to 'burning the temple'

(Dan Tri) - Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras on the morning of July 5. The winning goal for The Blues was scored by a Fluminense player.

Chelsea have booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 win over Palmeiras in Philadelphia. The result ended the Brazilian side's four-match unbeaten run in the tournament (two wins, two draws).

Entering the match determined to avoid a second defeat to a Brazilian opponent at the FIFA Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca's side made waves early on. In the fourth minute, Cole Palmer almost opened the scoring with a curling shot from outside the box, forcing Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton to dive to block. However, just 12 minutes later, Palmer got on the scoresheet. After a delicate touch, the England midfielder kept his cool and neatly finished into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box.

Chelsea played overwhelmingly

Chelsea dominated the first half, constantly pressing Palmeiras. The English side had a chance to add to their lead when Palmer set up Christopher Nkunku, but the Frenchman fired over the bar from close range. Palmeiras had one clear chance to equalise in the final minute of the half, but Vanderlan's header was brilliantly saved by Robert Sanchez.

In the second half, Palmeiras started strongly and quickly found an equalizer. Ironically, it was youngster Estevao, who will move to Chelsea in the future, who scored with a beautiful shot, sending the ball straight into Sanchez's net. The Brazilian representative continued to play well and almost took the lead in the 60th minute, when Allan's cross-field shot went just wide of the post.

Palmeiras came out strong at the start of the second half (Photo: Getty).

As the game entered its final minutes, the tension was at its peak. Chelsea were fortunate to score the decisive goal with seven minutes to go. Weverton was unable to keep out a header from Bruno Fuchs from Malo Gusto's cross and had to watch helplessly as the ball rolled over the line. Although Weverton then brilliantly pushed Noni Madueke's late effort onto the post, it was of little consequence. Chelsea had booked their place in the semi-finals, where they would face another Brazilian side, Fluminense.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/chelsea-vao-ban-ket-fifa-club-world-cup-nho-pha-dot-den-20250705113050844.htm