Chelsea secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in a hard-fought Club World Cup quarterfinal match held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The win propels the Blues into the semi-finals, where they will face Fluminense.

The match saw Chelsea take an early lead through Cole Palmer in the 16th minute. Palmer, displaying the form that made him one of the league's most exciting players, beat his defender and slotted the ball home. However, Palmeiras responded in the second half with a stunning equalizer from Estevao Willian in the 53rd minute. The young Brazilian, soon to be a Chelsea player, showed his future employers his talent with a fantastic strike.

The game remained level until the 83rd minute when a deflected shot from Malo Gusto found its way into the net. The goal was eventually credited as an own goal by Palmeiras' Agustin Giay, although it appeared to deflect off the goalkeeper Weverton.

Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, acknowledged that his team dominated the first half and could have scored more. He also admitted that Palmeiras started the second half strongly, changing the game's dynamic. However, he felt Chelsea regained control in the final 25 minutes and deserved the victory. Palmeiras' coach, Abel Ferreira, conceded that Chelsea was the better team with better players and coach, while also acknowledging the luck involved in Chelsea's second goal.

The match was played in front of a crowd of 65,782 fans, creating a great atmosphere in Philadelphia. The game also featured a pregame tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car accident.

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, they will be without Levi Colwill, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card. With three of the four semi-finalists being European clubs, Chelsea will be looking to continue their journey and secure a place in the Club World Cup final.