The FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash between Chelsea and Palmeiras will serve as a nostalgic repeat of the 2022 final, which saw Chelsea lift the trophy thanks to a dramatic 117th-minute penalty from Kai Havertz, sealing a 2–1 victory in extra time.
This time, however, the stakes are slightly different. While this match won’t decide who wins the trophy, it’s just as crucial—a semi-final ticket is on the line, and victory would leave either side just one game away from reaching another Club World Cup final.
It has been a joyride so far for Palmeiras in this year’s tournament, but they needed extra time to edge past fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1–0 in the round of 16.
Notably, Palmeiras are not only unbeaten in the tournament; they also boast one of the best defensive records among the remaining teams.
Across four matches, Palmeiras have won two and drawn two, conceding only two goals, both in a thrilling 2–2 draw with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
While their defence has been a major strength, they’ll face their toughest attacking challenge yet in Chelsea—a team that has been free-scoring throughout the competition.
The Blues cruised past Benfica with a 4–1 win in the round of 16, netted three goals each against Esperance of Tunisia and Flamengo, and scored two goals against Los Angeles FC in their opening fixture.
So while Palmeiras are defensively disciplined, their backline will be severely tested by Enzo Maresca’s high-octane Chelsea side.
However, Chelsea come into this clash with a few concerns. As Softfootball reported, Moises Caicedo will miss this game due to suspension after picking up a yellow card against Benfica.
Defender Benoît Badiashile is also a likely absentee due to injury.
Palmeiras, on their part, will be without key players Joaquín Piquerez and Gustavo Gómez.
With striker Nicolas Jackson still serving his red-card suspension, Coach Enzo Maresca is expected to stick to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
Interestingly, Palmeiras’ head coach Abel Ferreira also prefers a similar tactical setup, setting the stage for an intriguing tactical battle.
Softfootball brings some interesting statistics ahead of the clash.
- Only 3 of Palmeiras’ last 15 matches have seen both teams score.
- 3 of their last 4 games have seen under 3 goals total.
- Chelsea have scored after half-time in 6 of their last 7 matches.
- All 4 goals Chelsea have conceded in this tournament came after the 60-minute mark.
- Pedro Neto has scored in his last three consecutive games for Chelsea.
- Chelsea are the last English Premier League team standing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
With all this in mind, fans can expect a tense, high-stakes encounter when the two sides clash on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. One team will be moving one step closer to glory, while the other will see their title dreams end in familiar company.
