Chelsea FC defeated SE Palmeiras 2-1 after a late own goal gave away the game. Chelsea dominated early but looked vulnerable as the game wore on, taking the lead on a Cole Palmer goal in the 16th minute only to be drawn even in the 53rd minute by Estêvão, the 18-year-old Palmeiras attacker who will join Chelsea at the end of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
But the most dramatic moment took place with just seven minutes of regulation time left on the clock, when a none-too-impressive cross from Chelsea's Malo Gusto deflected off defender Agustin Gay and past Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton. The 83rd-minute own goal proved to be decisive, and now Chelsea will face Fluminense in the Semifinal on Tuesday, July 8 at 3 pm ET.
Here are three thoughts about Chelsea's win over Palmeiras in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals.
Oliver Strand
1. Chelsea does just enough to advance
It was hard to tell which Chelsea would show up tonight, the one that cruised past SL Benfica earlier this week 4-1, or the one that imploded against CR Flamengo in the Group Stage and lost 3-1 after going ahead early.
It was a little bit of both, with the dominant Chelsea winning out in the end. Once again, Chelsea went up early. And once again, Chelsea's opponents brought one back to even the score.
Cole Palmer's goal gives Chelsea the lead | Courtesy DAZN
Palmer's goal was crisp and clinical, a low shot from just inside the top of the box that sliced past a diving Weverton. It was a textbook goal from Chelsea's franchise player.
But Palmeiras controlled the run of play after the start of the second half, running circles around a Chelsea that struggled to keep pace. Those spells of possession resulted in a Palmeiras goal (see below), which could give Chelsea some cause for concern when they face Fluminense on Tuesday.
Oliver Strand
2. Weverton's unlucky break
Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton was on his way to a Player of the Match performance before being undone by an own goal. The 37-year-old faced 19 shots, six on target, making five saves and allowing just one goal from open play.
But he will be remembered in this game for the deflected ball he failed to keep out of the net in the 83rd minute. It's painful to watch. The ball takes a soft dink off Palmeiras defender Gay, crossing up Weverton as it softly lands in the goal.
Gusto's cross is deflected into the Palmeiras goal | Courtesy DAZN
It's an unfortunate end to an entertaining tournament from the Brazilian heavyweights.
3. Estêvão scores on Chelsea before joining Chelsea
At the start of the tournament, one of the "what-ifs" the pundits entertained was the possibility of Palmeiras forward Estêvão facing Chelsea, the club that signed him in May for a fee that reportedly could reach $67 million if certain incentives are met. According to The Athletic, the agreement allowed for Estêvão to remain with Palmeiras through their run in the tournament.
Tonight, the hypothetical played out in spectacular fashion. Not only was Estêvão on the field, he was easily the best player on the Palmeiras squad. He placed just one shot on target, from an impossible angle, and it went in.
Estêvão scores for Palmeiras | Courtesy DAZN
Remember, the 18-year-old is still a work in progress who made his professional debut at the end of 2023. Chelsea probably doesn't mind that he scored on his future home, given that the English side advanced — they'll want to see more of the same next year.
That is, if Chelsea finds a way to keep him in the squad as they develop his talents. The club has become something of a revolving door for young prospects, and we can only hope to see Estêvão be given the opportunity to play in the Premier League this coming season.
