Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras in Philadelphia, ending the Brazilian side’s four-game unbeaten run in the tournament.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring after 16 minutes, calmly finishing into the bottom corner. Chelsea dominated the first half, but Palmeiras nearly levelled just before the break, only for Robert Sánchez to produce a fine save from Vanderlan’s header.
Palmeiras started the second half strongly and were rewarded when Chelsea-bound Estêvão fired in a stunning equaliser off the bar. They came close to taking the lead when Allan’s shot went inches wide.
With seven minutes left, Chelsea found a fortunate winner as Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off Bruno Fuchs and wrong-footed the keeper. Weverton denied Noni Madueke late on, but Chelsea held firm to set up a semi-final clash with Fluminense.
