Chelsea secured their spot in the Club World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Palmeiras on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field, witnessed by 65,782 fans. The decisive goal came late, credited as an own goal by Palmeiras defender Agustín Giay after a shot from Malo Gusto found its way into the net. This win propels the Blues to a match against Fluminense next week. The game was played in cooler temperatures, more familiar to Chelsea than the intense heat experienced earlier in the tournament.
The Blues initially looked in control when Cole Palmer netted his first goal of the tournament just 16 minutes in. Beating his defender and finishing clinically, Palmer`s goal harked back to his excellent form at the start of the Premier League season before a slight dip. This performance is a positive sign for Enzo Maresca`s tactical approach and Chelsea`s return to the Champions League next season, highlighting Palmer`s importance as a player who needs to be at his best.
Palmeiras provided a challenge by equalizing shortly after the second half began. Estevao scored from a tight angle, showcasing the talent that led Chelsea to agree a deal for him to join after this tournament. Colombian midfielder Richard Rios also impressed, demonstrating why major European clubs are monitoring him. After being dominated in the first half, the Brazilian side adjusted their tactics, turning the game into a real contest, fueled by the growing volume of their passionate supporters as the possibility of a result remained alive.
Chelsea regained their advantage through tactical changes, introducing Noni Madueke and new signing Joao Pedro for Liam Delap and Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku, positioned on the wing, struggled to impact the attack and was effectively marked out of the match along with Delap. However, the introduction of Madueke proved problematic for the Palmeiras defense.
While Madueke spent much of last season on the right wing, his immediate impact from the left side was significant. He was constantly involved, drawing corners and free kicks, helping Chelsea achieve their goal despite facing constant pressure from the pro-Palmeiras crowd. Even on an emotional night, which included a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away, the Chelsea players maintained their composure. Everyone was focused on executing their roles within Maresca`s system, including 21-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos, who started the game.
Following a loan spell at Strasbourg last season, young Brazilian Andrey Santos is now competing for a place in the first-team squad under Maresca. His performance in this match, when given the opportunity, suggests he can play a role, potentially even in the Champions League. The squad`s eventual composition remains uncertain due to its size, requiring potential adjustments for Champions League play and rotation. This underscores the value of tournaments like the Club World Cup, where players can demonstrate their capabilities to Maresca. Some players, like Madueke, certainly made a strong case on Friday. For others, there is still work to be done, with at least one more match before the holiday period providing another chance to impress.
In the semifinals, the Blues will face another Brazilian opponent, Fluminense, who secured their spot by defeating Al-Hilal. This match will feature a reunion, as Fluminense is captained by former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, who has been instrumental in their organization. It`s a fascinating path for Chelsea in this tournament, first facing potential future teammates (like Estevao) and now confronting a respected figure from their recent past in Silva.
