At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, on Saturday, July 5th, Palmeiras and Chelsea face off in the second quarterfinal of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This matchup brings back memories of the 2021 final, held when the tournament featured fewer participants, and which saw the London club come out on top in extra time with a 2-1 victory. However, much has changed since then. After seasons marked by questionable transfer decisions, Chelsea seem to have found the right path. Last year, the club appointed Enzo Maresca as head coach, entrusting him with a young, talented squad. The gamble has paid off: the Blues won the UEFA Europa Conference League, finished fourth in the Premier League—securing a Champions League spot—and have now reached the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. Their campaign started with a second-place finish in Group D behind Flamengo. In the round of 16, they convincingly beat Benfica 4-1 after extra time. Palmeiras, meanwhile, topped Group A thanks to a better goal difference than Inter Miami. In the round of 16, they came out on top in a heated Brazilian derby against Botafogo, decided only in extra time with a goal by Paulinho early in the first extra period. Palmeiras vs Chelsea promises to be an intense and tightly contested battle, with a place among the tournament’s top four at stake. Adding further intrigue is the possible presence of Estevão, Palmeiras’ young star already set to join Chelsea after the competition ends.

Palmeiras Recent Form and Key Stats

Verdão are in excellent form, having lost just four of their last 35 matches across all competitions. In the round of 16, Palmeiras edged out Botafogo 1-0 in a Brazilian derby, finding the winning goal in extra time through Paulinho—his second consecutive goal after scoring against Inter Miami.

In this year’s Club World Cup, Abel Ferreira’s side have recorded two draws and two wins (one in extra time), scoring five goals and conceding two. They’ve also kept three clean sheets. For the clash with Chelsea, the Portuguese manager will be without suspended Joaquín Piquerez and Gustavo Gomez. Estevão is also a doubt as he prepares for his transfer to London in mid-July.

Chelsea Recent Form and Key Stats

The Blues are also on a solid run, having lost just three of their last 18 matches across all competitions. Last Saturday, Maresca’s team overcame Benfica in the round of 16 in a marathon match that lasted nearly five hours (interrupted for 41 minutes due to a weather alert). After finishing regular time at 1-1 (James and Di María), Chelsea took control in extra time with goals from Nkunku, Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall, sealing a 4-1 victory.

So far, Chelsea’s record in the tournament includes three wins (one in extra time) and one loss, with ten goals scored and four conceded. They’ve kept clean sheets against Los Angeles FC and Espérance Tunis. Their standout performer has been Portuguese winger Pedro Neto, who has scored three times. For the Palmeiras match, Maresca will be without Caicedo, but will welcome back striker Nicolas Jackson after a two-match suspension.

Palmeiras vs Chelsea Prediction and Tactical Overview

Palmeiras and Chelsea meet again after the 2021 Club World Cup final, won by the Blues 2-1 in extra time thanks to a late Kai Havertz goal—now an Arsenal player. That match was intense and tightly contested, and this rematch looks set to follow a similar script.

In this edition of the tournament, Palmeiras have shown strong defensive organization, although they have not faced elite opposition yet. Notably, four of their five goals have come from substitutes, highlighting the depth of Abel Ferreira’s squad and their threat in the later stages of matches.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have managed to score seven goals in the last two matches despite missing their main striker, Jackson. They’re averaging an impressive 2.5 goals per game in the competition and are likely to challenge even a well-structured Brazilian defense.

Tactically, Chelsea are expected to dominate possession, relying on the technical abilities of Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer to craft scoring opportunities. Palmeiras will likely adopt a more cautious approach, looking to strike on the counterattack through their quick front three.

One key stat to keep in mind: Chelsea’s only defeat in the tournament came against a Brazilian team. Their 3-1 loss to Flamengo exposed some vulnerability in dealing with South American football, which tends to be more intense and unpredictable than the European style.

• Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction by BetMines: Both teams to score
  
  
• Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction by BetMines: Over 2.5 goals

Probable Lineups Palmeiras vs Chelsea

PALMEIRAS (4-2-3-1): Weverton; Giay, Micael, Fuchs, Vanderlan; Emiliano Martinez, Rios; Estevao, Allan, Mauricio; Roque. Coach: Abel Ferreira

CHELSEA (4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Lavia, Enzo Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Delap, Palmer. Coach: Enzo Maresca