On a humid Friday night in Philadelphia, Chelsea FC scraped past Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals, thanks to an 83rd-minute own goal from Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton — a deflected cross from Malo Gusto that found the net after bouncing off the post. The win, sealed in dramatic fashion at Lincoln Financial Field on July 4, 2025, wasn’t pretty, but it was enough. And in football, sometimes that’s all you need.
A Nervy First Half, Then a Brazilian Surge
Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the perfect start, latching onto a crisp pass from Trevoh Chalobah on the edge of the box. With three defenders frozen, he curled a left-footed finish into the bottom corner — a goal that looked like it belonged in a Champions League final, not a midsummer knockout in Pennsylvania. But Palmeiras, missing injured defenders Joaquín Piquerez, Gustavo Gómez, and Murilo, refused to buckle.Then came the twist: Estêvão, the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation set to join Chelsea this summer, equalized in the 53rd minute with a curling, impossible shot from a tight angle. The crowd gasped. The Chelsea bench held its breath. At 18 years and 71 days old, Estêvão became the second-youngest scorer in FIFA Club World Cup 2025 history — just behind Porto’s Rodrigo Mora. And here’s the odd part: Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, smiled. "Happy because we won, happy because he scored, so it’s a perfect night," he said afterward, as if the universe had handed him a pre-signed contract.
Own Goals, Odd Stats, and a Pattern Repeats
The winning goal — a fluke, a gift, a stroke of luck — was Chelsea’s fifth own goal in their favor during 2025. That’s the most since 2013, when they had six. It’s not a tactic. It’s not a strategy. It’s just… weird. And it’s happening again. Palmeiras, despite dominating possession after halftime and forcing Christopher Nkunku to miss a sitter with only the keeper to beat, couldn’t hold on. The ball bounced. Weverton panicked. And the net rippled.
Statistically, Palmer was the match’s standout: four shots, two on target, 15 completed passes in the final third — the most of any player. But it was the collective grit of a squad that had lost their opening group game to Clube de Regatas do Flamengo that carried them through. This was their fourth win in five matches since the tournament began on June 14. They’d already eliminated Sport Lisboa e Benfica and now Palmeiras — both Brazilian giants — in consecutive rounds. It’s the first time since 2021 that Chelsea have reached the final of the Club World Cup, and for the first time in tournament history, two of their four appearances have come against Palmeiras. Both ended 2-1. Both ended in Chelsea’s favor.
Fluminense Falls, Final Looms
Four days later, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Chelsea faced another Brazilian force: Fluminense Football Club. This time, it was cleaner. Cleaner, but no less decisive. João Pedro, the 21-year-old forward, scored twice — a low finish from an Enzo Fernández assist in the 18th minute, then a dribble through two defenders that sent his shot crashing off the crossbar and over the line. The final whistle blew 2-0 in front of 70,566 fans. Malo Gusto nearly added a third, but his header was smothered by goalkeeper Fabio. The Brazilian side, though spirited, had no answer.
Now, Chelsea await their final opponent. Either Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, the five-time champions, or Paris Saint-Germain, who stunned Football Club Internazionale Milano 5-0 in May to claim their first Champions League title. Both are giants. Both have pedigree. And both are favorites.
Underdogs in the Final? Maybe. But Not Without a Shot
Chelsea’s squad value is $2 billion. That’s more than PSG’s. More than Real Madrid’s, even, if you add in their youth academy assets. Yet no one’s picking them to win. Why? Because football doesn’t care about balance sheets. It cares about moments. And Chelsea have already survived two brutal, chaotic matches against Brazilian teams — one decided by a fluke, the other by a clinical finisher. They’ve shown resilience. They’ve shown depth. And they’ve shown that, despite missing key players like N’Golo Kanté and Raheem Sterling, they can still find a way.
The final is set for Sunday, July 13, 2025, back at MetLife Stadium. The world will be watching. And for a club that didn’t even qualify for the last two Club World Cups, this is a miracle run. Not because they’re the best. But because they’re still standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Estêvão’s goal impact Chelsea’s transfer plans?
Estêvão’s stunning goal in the quarter-final all but confirmed his imminent move to Chelsea, with negotiations already finalized before the match. His performance under pressure — scoring in a high-stakes international game at 18 — made him a poster boy for the club’s youth strategy. Chelsea now see him as a potential long-term replacement for Cole Palmer, who’s entering his final contract year. The goal didn’t just win them a match; it validated a $45 million investment.
Why is Chelsea considered an underdog despite their $2 billion squad value?
Squad value doesn’t guarantee results. Real Madrid and PSG have deeper Champions League experience, more cohesive systems, and higher match-winning specialists. Chelsea’s run has been fueled by grit, luck, and individual brilliance — not tactical dominance. Their midfield lacks control, and their defense has been shaky. Against Real Madrid’s press or PSG’s pace, those flaws could be exploited. Money buys talent, but trophies demand timing.
What’s the significance of Chelsea’s five own goals in 2025?
Five own goals in Chelsea’s favor this year is a statistical anomaly — the most since 2013. While it’s not a sign of tactical superiority, it does reflect how opponents are pressuring them into errors. Palmeiras’ Weverton and earlier in the season, Brighton’s keeper, both made desperate clearances that backfired. It’s not luck; it’s pressure. And it’s something opponents will study closely before the final.
How does this Chelsea team compare to their 2021 Club World Cup winners?
The 2021 squad had Timothy Weah, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount at their peaks, with a veteran core. This team is younger, less polished, and more reliant on individual moments. But they’re more resilient. The 2021 side won by control; this one wins by survival. If they win on July 13, it’ll be the most unexpected triumph in the club’s modern history.
Why did Palmeiras struggle defensively despite their strong domestic record?
Palmeiras entered the match without three key defenders — Piquerez, Gómez, and Murilo — all of whom are starters in Brazil’s national team. Their replacements, 20-year-old Rafael Santos and 19-year-old Thiago Silva (no relation to the veteran), were out of position and overwhelmed by Chelsea’s pace. Their midfield, usually a strength, couldn’t shield the backline. The absence of leadership cost them.
What’s at stake for Enzo Maresca if Chelsea wins the final?
A win would cement Maresca as one of the most successful managers in Chelsea’s modern era — and potentially trigger a contract extension worth over £12 million per year. He’s already saved the club from a managerial crisis after Thomas Tuchel’s departure. A Club World Cup title would silence critics who say he’s too cautious. More importantly, it would validate his philosophy: that grit, youth, and opportunism can beat star power.
