KLIK SAJA - Premier League powerhouse Chelsea will face the last remaining South American representative, Fluminense, in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday (local time).
After the Blues eliminated Palmeiras and Flu overcame Asian giants Al-Hilal, the two sides will clash in New Jersey, fighting for a coveted spot in the final.
Continuing their impressive form — which includes winning a European trophy and securing a place in the 2026 UEFA Champions League — Chelsea head into this semi-final with four wins from their last five matches.
The Blues advanced past Palmeiras in Friday's quarter-final, thanks to an opening goal from Cole Palmer and an own goal by Agustin Giay, although Estevao — who is set to join Chelsea — scored once for his current side.
Earlier, Enzo Maresca’s men also defeated Benfica in the Round of 16, despite a long weather delay that pushed the match into extra time.
Although Chelsea only finished second in Group D after a 1-3 loss to Flamengo, Fluminense’s city rivals, many believe they benefited from a more favorable knockout draw, avoiding several European heavyweights.
Winners of the 2021 Club World Cup — also after beating Palmeiras — Chelsea are now just two games away from lifting another FIFA trophy.
After clinching the UEFA Conference League before heading to the U.S., they are aiming for a double-title season.
Chelsea’s form has significantly improved since a mid-season slump.
They are now confident of overcoming their former defensive rock Thiago Silva, now with Fluminense, and reaching the final to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
On the other side, Brazilian giants Fluminense have their own ambitions. They kept their championship hopes alive by defeating Al-Hilal in a thrilling match in Orlando.
A stunning goal from Martinelli gave Flu the lead, which was then canceled out by Marcos Leonardo. However, super-sub Hercules stepped up once again with the winning goal, aided by a crucial save from 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio.
Fluminense progressed to the knockout round as runners-up in Group F, earning one win over Ulsan HD and two goalless draws. They are now undefeated in 11 matches, with five clean sheets in their last seven.
Interestingly, half of Fluminense’s eight goals in the U.S. have come after the 70th minute, and the Silva-led defense has conceded only one second-half goal in the entire tournament.