Chelsea player ratings vs Palmeiras: Cool Cole Palmer & a bit of luck carry Blues into Club World Club semi-finals despite Estevao magic

Enzo Maresca's side were given a scare, but relied on their main man and a fortunate own goal to secure a semi-final berth

Chelsea overcame a scare from their soon-to-be new signing Estevao as Cole Palmer's fine finish and a fortunate late winner secured a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras on Friday night, with the English side progressing to the Club World Cup semi-finals. The Blues took an early lead before being pegged back by the wonderkid's wonder strike, but made their dominance pay in the end.

Palmer opened the scoring with a classy piece of individual play. The attacking midfielder rolled his man, found half-a-yard of space and slotted home after just 16 minutes. But Palmeiras enjoyed their moments, too. Estevao - who will join Chelsea after the tournament - caused problems on the right and was instrumental in setting up their best chance of the first half, with left-back Vanderlan planting a free header into the arms of Robert Sanchez.

Estevao made his mark eight minutes after half-time, though, and showed in a brief flash why Chelsea were so eager to bring him in. The 18-year-old beat his man before lashing a vicious strike in off the crossbar from a near-impossible angle and wheeling away in celebration.

However, the Brazilian underdogs were unable to hold on, as the Blues eked out a fortunate winner with just seven minutes left on the clock. They worked the ball down the left to Malo Gusto, whose mishit cross was diverted into the back of the net by the hapless Agustin Giay.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN

Stream now

Chelsea were relatively comfortable after that. Palmeiras offered little on the break, while Enzo Maresca's side largely controlled play to cruise into the semi-finals - albeit with a stroke of luck. Another Brazilian side, Fluminense, are next - and you'd back the Blues to grind out a result there, too.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Lincoln Financial Field...

Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Will be slightly disappointed to be beaten at his near post, and didn't look too certain in his distribution.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Got forward with regularity and put in a few good deliveries. Pushed back a bit more in the second half. Fortunate to have a role in Chelsea's second.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
Won his headers, covered spaces, grabbed an assist. A really good showing at the back.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Handled the dangerous Vitor Roque effectively, moved the ball well, could do nothing about the goal. A captain's performance.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Seemed intent on kicking everything that moved. Got as much as he gave against Estevao.

Getty
Midfield
Andrey Santos (7/10):
Brought into the XI after Reece James picked up an injury in the warmup. Made countless tackles and resisted the Palmeiras press.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Connected play effectively, was always up for the scrap, won his tackles.
Christian Nkunku (5/10):
Got a start at his preferred position, and didn't do loads with it. Could be his last game in a Chelsea shirt.
Getty
Attack
Cole Palmer (8/10):
Scored a sublime goal, and found all sorts of clever angles. Quieter in the second half but was still effective throughout.
Liam Delap (5/10):
Threw himself around a lot, got booked, subbed before the hour mark. Not his most convincing outing so far.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Took on his man with regularity. Did everything but provide the final ball.

Getty
Subs & Manager
Joao Pedro (6/10):
The new signing, on for his debut. Stretched play and offered some attacking ideas, but never got a clear sight of goal.
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Dribbled at his opposite number. Could have won a penalty.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Will be annoyed by James' injury in the warmup, but his team were otherwise in control and survived some second half worries. Job done. Semis secured.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager