In a thrilling Club World Cup quarter-final held at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on July 4, 2025, Chelsea edged past Brazilian giants Palmeiras with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, booking their place in the semi-finals against Fluminense. The match was packed with drama, not least because it featured Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation who is set to join Chelsea this summer, playing against his future club and dazzling the crowd with a stunning goal.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 16th minute with a composed finish that marked his first goal from open play since January. The young England international found space in the box following a smart pass from Trevoh Chalobah and calmly slotted the ball past Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton, giving the Blues an early advantage.
Palmeiras, determined not to be outdone on home soil, responded with pace and flair, especially through their attacking prodigy Estevao. The teenager, who agreed to a £29 million transfer to Chelsea last summer but was only eligible to move after turning 18 in April, was a constant threat on the right flank. He faced some tough challenges from Chelsea defenders Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill, including a late challenge on Colwill that nearly earned him a yellow card. The incident even saw Cucurella shouting at Estevao, who was his future teammate, underscoring the fierce competitiveness of the encounter.
Estevao's fiery approach was evident as he committed three fouls in the opening half, more than any other player on the pitch. But the Brazilian midfielder was not intimidated by the physicality, and his determination paid off eight minutes into the second half. From a nearly impossible narrow angle, Estevao struck a powerful, high shot that clipped the underside of the crossbar and beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was caught off his line. The goal leveled the score at 1-1 and sent the Palmeiras fans into raptures.
However, the goal was as much a testament to Estevao's skill as it was to a rare lapse from Sanchez, who lost his near post and was visibly disappointed after the strike. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca’s reaction captured the moment perfectly, showing a man frustrated by his goalkeeper’s error but still focused on the bigger picture.
The match continued at a frantic pace with both sides exchanging chances. Chelsea's resilience was tested further when Liam Delap and Levi Colwill both picked up yellow cards, ruling them out of the upcoming semi-final clash. On top of that, captain Reece James suffered an injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Andrey Santos in the starting lineup, adding to Chelsea's challenges.
As the clock ticked towards the 83rd minute, Chelsea found the breakthrough again. Malo Gusto’s cross from the right was deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay, resulting in an own goal that restored Chelsea’s lead. The deflection left goalkeeper Weverton helpless and sealed the 2-1 victory for the Blues.
Despite the setback, Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira had encouraged Estevao to give his all against his future club. “He has to do his job,” Ferreira said ahead of the match, urging the young winger to showcase his talents before completing his £51.5 million move to Stamford Bridge. Ferreira also lightheartedly called upon American fans to support Palmeiras against the English on the Fourth of July, adding a unique flavor to the international showdown.
The encounter was also a nostalgic rematch of the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 after extra time. Nine players from Palmeiras’ current squad had featured in that final, including Raphael Veiga and goalkeeper Weverton, while Chelsea’s side had transformed with only Trevoh Chalobah remaining from that victorious team.
Adding to the occasion was the debut of Chelsea’s £55 million signing Joao Pedro, who joined from Brighton just days before the tournament. Although Pedro remained on the bench for this match, his arrival signals Chelsea’s intent to bolster their squad depth as they chase Club World Cup glory.
Chelsea’s next challenge is set for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will face Fluminense in the semi-finals. Despite suspensions and injuries, the Blues remain confident under Maresca’s guidance, with the dream of lifting the 2025 Club World Cup trophy edging closer.
With approximately 40,000 fans in attendance and a moment of silence held before kickoff to honor the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, the match was not only a football spectacle but also a poignant moment of respect within the football community.
Estevao’s performance, clashing fiercely with future teammates like Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill, highlighted his readiness to step into the Premier League spotlight. His 13 goals and nine assists in Brazil’s top flight last season earned him the distinction of ESPN Brazil’s youngest-ever Player of the Year at just 17, and the Club World Cup stage was yet another platform to demonstrate his burgeoning talent.
As Chelsea move forward in the tournament, the blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership will be key. The Club World Cup journey continues, with the semi-final promising another intense battle as the Blues aim to add international silverware to their growing trophy cabinet.
