Chelsea Advances to Club World Cup Semis with 2-1 Win Over Palmeiras

Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals, where they will face Fluminense. Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-crafted goal, while Palmeiras' Estevao, a teenage winger soon to join Chelsea, equalized with a spectacular shot in the 53rd minute. The winning goal came late from an own goal deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay following a cross from Chelsea's Malo Gusto. New signing Joao Pedro made his Chelsea debut in the match, while captain Reece James was sidelined due to injury. Chelsea will meet Fluminense in the semifinals in New Jersey, setting up a clash between two Brazilian teams. Despite some defensive concerns and a suspension for Liam Delap, Chelsea's performance earned them a hard-fought win to continue their tournament run.