Chelsea are through to the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup following a hard fought 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-finals. The match which was played at the Lincoln Financial Field enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere with fans enjoying the encounter.
Chelsea captain Reece James picked up an injury during the warm up and was replaced in the starting lineup by Andre Santos. Before the match, Softfootball reported that the hype was all about Estevao Willian and he did not disappoint with his memerising displays against chelsea.
Also, another Chelsea new signing Joao Pedro made his debut for the Blues in the match and was brilliant. Cole Palmer, who has endured a quiet tournament by his own standards gave Chelsea a first half lead with a brilliant goal but Estevao made it 1-1 in the second half against club he is joining after tournament.
Malo Gusto then had his cross deflected into net by Palmeiras defender Giay Agustin and that own goal sealed victory for the European Conference League winners.
The Blues will however play the semi-final without new signing Liam Delap after the former Ipswich forward picked up another yellow card and a suspension.
Speaking after the match, BBC sports reports that Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca said:
I am happy because we won and I am happy happy because Estevao scored. It was the perfect night.
Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi was not impressed with Enzo Maresca’s side overall performance but happy with the win. These was Mikel Obi’s statement on BBC Sport accroding to.
It doesn’t matter how it goes in. A goal is a goal and we’re into the semi-final. Very worrying second half, very sloppy. We played into their hands. Eventually we’re so lucky with the goal,”
Softfootball can reveal that Estevao was named the superior player of the match aka man of the match. Several Chelsea players were seen talking to the 18-year-old on the pitch including Cole Palmer after the game as he will be joining them in London after the tournament.
Chelsea will now face another Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday at New Jersey. Fluminense is Pedro’s boyhood club and he has warned his new Chelsea teammates to be ready for that encounter. Pedro said.
We need to be ready for Fluminense. I know them well. I know they will give 100%,
