Chelsea FC reaches the semi-finals of the Club World Cup

Philadelphia. Chelsea FC is in the semifinals of the Club World Cup in the USA. The English club defeated Brazilian club Palmeiras 2-1 (1-0) in Philadelphia and will face another team from the country of the five-time FIFA World Cup winners, Fluminense FC, on Tuesday (9 p.m. CEST/DAZN). Fluminense previously beat Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia 2-1.

As in the first quarter-final, the pre-kick-off match was emotional. During a minute's silence for Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, who died in a crash on Thursday, Chelsea's Portuguese striker Pedro Neto showed off a blue jersey bearing the names of the striker and his brother. Neto played alongside Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League in the 2019/20 season.

Chelsea dominated the first half in front of 65,782 spectators, taking a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute thanks to a strong individual performance from England striker Cole Palmer. The Premier League club failed to extend their lead throughout the first half.

Palmeiras were significantly stronger after the break and were rewarded by Estevao, of all people. The 18-year-old superstar scored the deserved 1-1 draw against his new team in the 53rd minute from a tight angle. The striker will join the Blues in London after the Club World Cup.

Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton sealed Chelsea's semi-final place in the closing stages. The 37-year-old goalkeeper tipped a cross from Malo Gusto into his own net (83'). Former Leverkusen player Paulinho had the best chance to equalize shortly after, but his shot went just wide of the far post (85').

RND/dpa