In anticipation of the start at Lincoln Financial Field, Palmeiras and Chelsea knew that their opponents in the semi -final of the Club World Cup Fluminesse would be, after their earlier triumph over Saudi Pro League Giants, already Hilal.
Although the Brazilians had the first shot of the game in the second minute when the efforts of Bruno Fuchs were blocked, it was the West Londers who were out of the blocks faster, with Cole Palmer the protagonist.
Chelsea on the front foot from the first whistle
The shot of the English International on Doel was quickly followed by another, with Enzo Fernandez also coming close with one of the two efforts when Chelsea swung over their opponents with 77.6% over the first 15 minutes of this match.
It only seemed to be a matter of time before the blues took the lead, and just after the quarter that is exactly what happened.
Trevoh Chalobah was allowed to plunder deep in Palmeiras Territorium, and his Low, Knaps supplied was lushly controlled by Palmer during turn before he left the opposition steering and slid home.
That will have brought the alarm bells for Palmeiras, because Chelsea had a Club World Cup record of W3, D0, L1 when the opening goal is scored.
Yet Chelsea flowed forward, Marc Cucurella, Chalobah and Fernandez who all added to Chelsea's Schotcount of eight before half an hour was played.
Pass -Volettiestatistics exposed difference in quality
The difference in quality was marked and most noticeable in the distribution of both sides. The Chelsea players were all in the 80% bracket and up, with Cucurella's 95.5% pass completion to see the best. Most Palmeiras players, on the other hand, were the reach of 60-70%, so Micael's 94.6% was a striking effort.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea Match Statsopta perform by statistics
It would take until the 42nd minute before the Brazilians had their first shot on goal from Vanderlan, and their inability to shoot at all cylinders in front of the goal was not in the least due to the defensive excellence of Malo Gusto whose five first half of tackles – including one player was booked.
Palmeiras supporters will not have been surprised by the lack of goals, because they have not succeeded in breaking any opposition defense in the first half of one of their five games, while Chelsea had not admitted to one of their five games before half-time.
Chelsea's passing network versus Palmeirasopta performing statistics
Blues fans could also not have been too unhappy with the efforts of their players, although the new signing Liam Delap can hardly have made an impression after managing only eight touches before the half-time whistle blew.
Seven minutes after the break, Estevao, who joined Chelsea after the tournament, hit an equalizer from an acute angle to level the scores with only the second shot of Palmeiras on goal. The manic way in which he celebrated may not have gone well with the Stamford Bridge believers.
The third goal of the Brazilian team in the first 15 minutes of the second half meant that no team had scored in that time frame at the CWC.
The equalizer led to a furious answer from Enzo Maresca while making two fast replacements, including Delap – which will be suspended for the semi -final after picking up a second yellow card in the tournament – and insisted on his players on the field.
Late winner sees Chelsea in Semis
The width seemed to have the desired effect, because Chelsea quickly struck four efforts from the goal, while looking at their authority again.
Joao Pedro, who replaced Delap, showed his quality during his 37 -minute cameee, who managed eight details in the opposition cabinet compared to just one of the former city man of Ipswich. In fact, the trips of the first deep in Palmeiras Territory became a real characteristic and the new signing gave some fame in the draw.
Palmeiras vs Chelsea Momentum Shiftsopta perform by statistics
While the game reached the last phases, Chelsea put their foot back on the accelerator pedal, so that their opponents were only the occasional half chance.
62.7% Collective and 19 shots compared to the Zeven van Palmeiras was a clear enough indication about the dominance of the Premier League side.
With eight minutes to play, the shot from Malo Gusto was deflected to the goal by the vast boot of Agustin Giay, and Chelsea was almost at home and dry. The efforts of Estevao were in vain and a great concern was his loss of possession on 17 separate occasions – more than any other player who can be seen.
Try as they could, Palmeiras only succeeded seven shots in the game, their lowest total at the CWC, and with 41.0% of the action in their third of the field during the last 15 minutes, the Brazilians just got out of steam against a fitter and more robust Premier League side.
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