Brazilian giants Palmeiras lock horns with English Premier League heavyweights Chelsea. It’s a rematch of the 2021 final that saw Chelsea snatch a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory. Four years later, the stakes remain sky-high: a place in the semi-finals and a shot at global glory.

 

This match guarantees a European or South American representative in the semi-finals to face the winner of Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal.

 

 

Recent Form

Palmeiras 

  • Unbeaten in their last 11 matches, Palmeiras arrive with the tournament’s meanest defense, conceding just two goals in four games.
  • They edged Botafogo 1-0 in extra time despite going down to 10 men, showing immense resilience.

Key Stats

  • 10 clean sheets in their last 14 matches
  • Average 1.3 goals scored per game
  • Estêvão Willian has created 8 chances in limited minutes
  • Vitor Roque offers pace and clinical finishing up front

 

Chelsea

Chelsea powered past Benfica 4-1 in extra time in the Round of 16 but showed defensive vulnerability, particularly in a 3-1 loss to Flamengo earlier in the tournament. Their attacking depth has carried them so far.

Key Stats:

  • 9 goals scored in 4 tournament matches
  • Pedro Neto has scored in 3 straight appearances (fitness pending)
  • Cole Palmer leads the creative charge with 2 goals and 3 assists
  • Moisés Caicedo, a key defensive anchor, is suspended

 

 

 

Tactical Preview

Palmeiras will lean on their disciplined low-block defending and rapid counters led by Estêvão and Roque. Expect them to cede possession and look to exploit Chelsea’s high line.

Chelsea will push to dominate the ball and overwhelm Palmeiras’ depleted defense with wide play and late runs from midfield.

 

 

Key battles to watch:

  • Estêvão Willian vs. Marc Cucurella on the flank
  • Cole Palmer’s creativity vs. Palmeiras’ midfield screen
  • Nicolas Jackson’s pace against Fuchs and Rocha

 

 

Coaches’ View

Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras):

“We suffered together against Botafogo, even with 10 men. We need that same spirit. We respect Chelsea’s quality, but we are not here just to participate.”

 

Enzo Maresca (Chelsea):

“We must be clinical and control the game. Palmeiras are organized and dangerous on the break. We’ll have to adapt without Caicedo.”

 

 

 

Expert Predictions

  • Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
  • Alternative: A 1-1 draw leading to extra time or penalties.

 

Betting Tips:

  • Both teams to score
  • Under 3.5 total goals
  • Estêvão to score or assist

 

 

Why This Match Matters

For Palmeiras, it’s a shot at redemption after their heartbreak in 2021 and a chance to cap their Club World Cup journey with a statement win over Europe’s elite. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their status as global contenders despite a season of turbulence and injuries.

Either way, expect high drama under the Philadelphia lights.