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Chelsea booked a dramatic semi-final spot at the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras; and it came with a bittersweet twist, as teenage sensation Estevao Willian scored against the club he’s about to join.
In a compelling clash, Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 16th minute, before Estevao equalised with a moment of brilliance in the second half. The game was eventually settled when Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off Giay Agustin and into his own net.
The result sends Chelsea through to face Fluminense in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Estevao’s star moment: A farewell and a preview
The biggest headlines belong to Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazil international whose £52 million move to Chelsea is imminent. His 53rd-minute equaliser was a spectacular strike from a tight angle, beating Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez via the crossbar.
The goal served both as a fitting farewell to Palmeiras and a teasing preview for Chelsea fans, who will now wait eagerly for his arrival next season.
New faces, mixed fortunes
Chelsea handed a debut to £55 million signing Joao Pedro, freshly arrived from Brighton. The Brazilian forward looked bright, linking well with Palmer and Pedro Neto, and came close to scoring on multiple occasions.
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However, it wasn’t all smooth for the Blues:
Liam Delap and Levi Colwill both received yellow cards and will now miss the semi-final due to suspension.
Captain Reece James was withdrawn after suffering an injury in the warm-up, adding to Chelsea’s growing list of absentees.
Nicolas Jackson, despite returning from a two-match suspension, was not included in the squad.
Credit: Fluminense on (X) (Marcelo Gonçalves/FFC)
Fluminense stun Al-Hilal to book Chelsea clash
In the other quarter-final, Fluminense edged past Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal 2-1, setting up a tantalising all-Brazil vs. England semi-final.
Matheus Martinelli opened the scoring with a top-corner rocket after a clever pass from Gabriel Fuentes. Al-Hilal equalised through Marcos Leonardo, who netted his fourth goal of the tournament after Kalidou Koulibaly’s header landed at his feet.
The winning goal came from substitute Hercules, who calmly slotted home after Samuel Xavier’s knockdown. Despite a flurry of late chances, Fabio, Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper, stood tall with three crucial saves.
Veteran leadership, underdog mentality
Fluminense’s run has defied expectations. They finished just four points above the relegation zone last season and currently sit sixth in the 2025 Brazilian league; yet they’re now two wins from world champion status.
They’ve leaned on experience:
Fabio (44) and Thiago Silva (40) are now the second and third oldest players to appear in the Club World Cup.
Silva, despite a bloody nose, was immense in defence, anchoring a backline that held firm against late pressure.
READ ALSO: The Club World Cup: Becoming more competitive and entertaining than expected, By Yusuf Bangura
There were emotional scenes before kickoff as Portugal stars Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves wept during a minute’s silence for their late national teammate Diogo Jota.
Key Stats & Standouts
Marcos Leonardo and Ángel Di María are now joint top scorers at the Club World Cup with 4 goals each; though both are out of the tournament.
A group of players trails with 3 goals each, including Harry Kane (Bayern) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea).
What’s Next?
Chelsea vs. Fluminense – Semi-Final on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Palmeiras return home to resume domestic duties without Estevao, whose departure will be keenly felt.
Al-Hilal will next be in action when the 2025–26 Saudi season kicks off next month.
As Chelsea prepare to face a gritty and unpredictable Fluminense, one thing is certain: the FIFA Club World Cup is delivering surprises; and new stars, with every match.
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