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Victor Petkov
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Chelsea reach Club World Cup semifinals with late winner against Palmeiras
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The Blues will face another Brazilian team - Fluminense in a battle for a spot in the final of the tournament

Chelsea booked their place in the Club World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Palmeiras on Friday night, thanks to a late deflected strike by Malo Gusto in the 83rd minute. The match, played in front of 65,782 fans, saw 18-year-old Estêvão scoring for Palmeiras against the club he will soon join.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 16th minute, slotting home a composed finish from a Trevoh Chalobah assist, but Estêvão, signed by Chelsea in 2023 and set to join the Blues after turning 18, drew Palmeiras level in the 53rd minute with a clinical angled finish.

Despite scoring against his future team, the Brazilian youngster received warm embraces and encouragement from Palmer and other Chelsea players after the match.

With extra time looming, Gusto’s shot after a short corner ricocheted off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay and goalkeeper Weverton, resulting in a FIFA-credited own goal that sealed the win.

Chelsea will remain stateside to face Fluminense in the semifinals on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fluminense reached the final four with a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal earlier on Friday, with Hércules netting the decisive goal in the 70th minute.