Palmeiras vs Chelsea Preview

• Draw after 90 minutes
• Both teams to score

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals deliver a tantalising repeat of the 2021 final as Brazilian giants Palmeiras lock horns with English powerhouse Chelsea in Philadelphia. With both sides harbouring serious ambitions of lifting the trophy, and a little history between them to ignite the contest, this showdown promises to be a heavyweight clash in every sense.

Match News and Current Form

Palmeiras return to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup hoping to go one better than they did in 2021, when they were narrowly beaten by Chelsea in the final. The Brazilian side have impressed with their dogged consistency in this year’s competition, reaching this stage unbeaten after four matches. They opened their campaign with a routine group stage performance before edging past domestic rivals Botafogo in extra time during the Round of 16.

That victory showcased both their resilience and their defensive strength, having conceded just two goals across their four games so far. Defensively, they have been particularly stubborn, with three of those matches producing under 2.5 goals and none of their opponents managing to break them down before the interval. That strong backline has become the hallmark of Abel Ferreira’s side at this tournament, giving them a platform to stay in matches even when their attacking fluency has not been at its best.

Offensively, Palmeiras have been somewhat slow starters. In fact, they are yet to find the net before half-time in this year’s tournament, placing considerable pressure on their second-half performances. That pattern of play could be tested to the limit here, as they come up against a Chelsea team boasting plenty of attacking firepower and recent momentum.

Chelsea made it through to the last eight in dramatic fashion, overcoming Benfica 4-1 after extra time in the Round of 16. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the match was finely poised until the Blues pulled away late on, scoring three times in extra time. That result extended an impressive run of form under Enzo Maresca, with the west Londoners now winning six of their last seven games in all competitions.

They have shown their attacking potency in recent weeks, scoring three or more goals in four of those six victories. However, their only defeat in that stretch came against Flamengo in the group stage – another Brazilian opponent – which could provide a psychological wrinkle heading into this clash. Chelsea will need to be wary of falling into a similar trap as they look to overcome another South American contender.

Head-to-Head History

This will be the second competitive meeting between the two clubs. Their previous clash came in the final of the 2021 Club World Cup, where Chelsea emerged 2-1 winners after extra time. That match was tightly contested throughout, and given the defensive form Palmeiras are currently displaying, a similarly close encounter could be on the cards once again.

Key Players to Watch

Pedro Neto has been a standout performer for Chelsea at this year’s tournament, scoring in three consecutive appearances – the first time he has achieved that feat in his senior club career.

His pace, creativity, and eye for goal have provided a reliable attacking outlet for the Blues, especially in the absence of some key players. His ability to stretch defences and cut inside from wide areas will pose a significant threat to Palmeiras’ backline.

For Palmeiras, impact substitute Paulinho has been an unexpected revelation. He has registered six goal contributions in his last five outings, including three goals and two assists – all coming from the bench. His knack for changing the game late on could be crucial if this tie heads toward another extra-time decider.

Team News and Missing Players

Chelsea will have to make do without midfielder Moisés Caicedo, who is serving a suspension following accumulated yellow cards. Defender Benoît Badiashile is also expected to miss out due to injury, slightly weakening their defensive options. However, Maresca has rotated his squad intelligently throughout the tournament and is expected to call upon experienced reinforcements.

Palmeiras are dealing with a couple of key absences themselves, as Joaquín Piquerez and captain Gustavo Gómez will both miss the game through suspension. Their absence could disrupt the defensive rhythm that has served them so well thus far, and Chelsea will be eager to capitalise on any instability at the back.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Palmeiras have seen both teams score in only three of their last 15 matches across all competitions.
• Three of their four matches at the 2025 Club World Cup have produced under 2.5 goals.
• Chelsea have scored after half-time in six of their last seven games.
• All four of the goals Chelsea have conceded at this tournament have come after the 60th minute.
• Chelsea have won six of their last seven matches, four of them by a margin of two or more goals.

Betting Analysis

With Chelsea’s four Club World Cup matches featuring a combined 14 goals (including extra time), backing over 2.5 total goals could represent solid value. However, Palmeiras’ low-scoring nature and compact defensive structure suggest this game could start tightly. For punters seeking alternatives, a second-half goals market or a draw at half-time could also hold appeal, especially considering Palmeiras have not conceded before the break in the tournament.

Chelsea may have the edge in terms of attacking depth and fitness, particularly if the game heads into extra time once again. Their bench options have proven game-changing in previous rounds, and that could be decisive against a depleted Palmeiras defence.

Prediction

This encounter has all the makings of a classic, especially given the historical backdrop of their 2021 final. While Palmeiras will likely keep things tight early on, Chelsea’s superior squad depth and recent attacking form may prove decisive as the game wears on.

Predicted score: Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea (after extra time)

For more info on this game, you may also visit:

https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/10005/289175/289187/400019207