Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras in Philadelphia, ending the Brazilian club’s four-game unbeaten run in the competition.
Cole Palmer gave the Blues an early lead with a composed finish in the 16th minute after a strong start from Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chelsea dominated the first half but were nearly pegged back before the break, with Robert Sanchez producing a fine save to deny Vanderlan.
Palmeiras hit back after the restart through a sensational strike from Estevao, the teenager who is set to join Chelsea next year.
The Brazilian side pushed for a second, but it was the Premier League club who struck again, profiting from a late deflection off Bruno Fuchs that turned Malo Gusto’s cross into the winning goal.
Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-final next Tuesday by 8pm WAT.
