Chelsea is set to face Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. This exciting match will take place on Friday, July 4, at 9 PM local time at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For fans who want to catch all the action, Al Jazeera Sport will provide live commentary starting at 6 PM local time.
This matchup is significant as it brings back memories of the 2021 final, where Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras. The Blues are looking to repeat their success after a strong showing in the tournament so far. Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals after winning against Los Angeles and ES Tunis in the group stage, despite a setback against Flamengo. They managed to overcome Benfica in the round of 16 with a 4-1 win after extra time, showcasing their resilience.
Palmeiras also had a challenging path to the quarterfinals. They finished second in their group after drawing with Corinthians and Porto but secured their spot by defeating Al Ahly. In the knockout stage, they faced Botafogo and won thanks to a late goal from Paulinho in extra time.
Both teams have key players returning for this match. Chelsea welcomes back striker Nicolas Jackson, who missed two games due to suspension. However, they will be without Moises Caicedo, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Benfica. On the other hand, Palmeiras will have to manage without Paulinho, who is recovering from an injury, and the suspended Joaquin Piquerez. Interestingly, Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea after the tournament, will still be available to play for Palmeiras.
Looking ahead, the winners of this match will face the victors of the first quarterfinal between Fluminense and Al Hilal. Chelsea captain Reece James expressed confidence in his team’s progress, while Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira emphasized the hard work and determination of his players.
As both teams gear up for this crucial encounter, fans can expect an intense and thrilling match that could determine who advances to the semifinals of this prestigious tournament.