CHELSEA secured their spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in the early hours of today with a 2-1 victory over Brazilian club Palmeiras, with Estevao Willian scoring against the club he is about to join.
Cole Palmer netted a 16th-minute opener and, after Estevao had levelled early in the second half, Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off defender Giay Agustin and into his own goal to seal victory.
A lot of the headlines though will go to Brazil’s teenage sensation Estevao, who scored a wonderful leveller from a tight angle in the 53rd minute.
The 18-year-old Brazil international will now complete a move to Chelsea, in a deal that could be worth £52m.
Meanwhile, the Blues gave a debut to £55m signing Joao Pedro, who joined from Brighton just two days ago, but both Liam Delap and Levi Colwill picked up yellow cards and are suspended for the semi-final while captain Reece James picked up an injury in the warm-up.
Chelsea will next face Fluminense in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Earlier, last night, Brazilian side Fluminense booked their semi-final place at the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Saudi club Al Hilal.
Matheus Martinelli gave Fluminense the lead with a wonderful finish into the top corner from 16 yards out from Gabriel Fuentes’ pass.
Al Hilal had a penalty overturned by the video assistant referee when Samuel Xavier clipped Marcos Leonardo accidentally.
But they got their equaliser when Kalidou Koulibaly’s header fell to Leonardo, who netted from close range – his fourth goal of the tournament.
Fluminense found the winner though when Xavier headed the ball down to substitute Hercules, who slotted a shot into the bottom corner.
Al-Hilal piled on plenty of late pressure but could not find an equaliser to force extra time.
With agency reports