Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras, but it wasn’t without a major scare from their own future player. Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid set to join Chelsea after the tournament, scored a brilliant equaliser for Palmeiras and celebrated wildly badge bang and all despite his imminent move.
Chelsea had taken the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a slick finish from Cole Palmer, who danced around defenders and calmly placed the ball past the keeper. He ran straight to the bench to celebrate with Tosin Adarabioyo, the oldest outfield player in the squad at just 27.
Chelsea dominated early chances but failed to extend their lead. Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella both missed clear openings, while Christopher Nkunku sent one high over the bar. Meanwhile, Estevao was being given a tough welcome by Cucurella, who made sure the teenager felt every challenge.
Just before half-time, Liam Delap was shown a yellow card for a strong aerial challenge, ruling him out of a potential semi-final. Then came Estevao’s moment. In the 53rd minute, he broke free, found a tight pocket of space, and scored from an absurd angle. Chelsea’s keeper Robert Sanchez could have done better, but the finish was sensational.
With the match tied 1-1 after Estevao’s stunning goal, the final stages had a sense of sudden death. Both teams pushed forward, but it was Chelsea who had fortune on their side. In the 83rd minute, Malo Gusto tried to fire in a cross which deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay and beat goalkeeper Weverton. A lucky break, but enough to win it.
The result means Chelsea pocket £15.4 million for winning the match and move on to face Fluminense in the semi-final, to be played in New Jersey. Tickets for this match in Philadelphia had been reduced to just £8 over fears of low turnout on July 4th, but over 60,000 fans packed the stadium and were treated to an exciting game.
Reece James was expected to start in midfield, but pulled out during the warm-up with an injury. He was replaced by Andrey Santos. The game was also played in the shadow of tragedy, with Pedro Neto holding up shirts for Diogo Jota and André Silva before kickoff. Neto still started the match and played with skill and determination, showing great mental strength.
Chelsea held on to the lead after the late own goal and were able to fend off Palmeiras’ final attacks. At full-time, Estevao was consoled by his soon-to-be teammates. Despite ending up on the losing side, the teenager had given Chelsea fans a glimpse of what might be coming their way very soon.
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