Chelsea showed their grit against Palmeiras during their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals clash — and manager Enzo Maresca believes it was a win fully earned.

Now, the Blues turn their focus to Fluminense in the semi-finals, with Maresca already plotting how to handle another Brazilian test, Footballrover reports.

Chelsea prove point against Palmeiras

Reflecting on the clash with the Brazilian team, Maresca said the Blues took control when it mattered most.

“Personally, I think in the first half we were in control of the game. We didn’t concede anything. We scored the goal, and we could score some more goals. In the second half, they started better than us; they scored. The game changed a little bit; the dynamic changed. But then I think the last 20-25 minutes we were in control again. I think we deserved to win the game without being lucky.”

The Premier League side had opened the scoring before their opponents hit back to level things up. But when the final whistle blew, the Blues came out on top 2-1, thanks to a late own goal from the Brazilian side.

Fluminense next as the West London team plot another Brazilian battle

With Palmeiras out of the way, Maresca’s eyes are firmly on Fluminense. The Brazilian side edged Al Hilal 2-1 to reach the last four.

For Maresca, Fluminense’s style is no surprise

“Until today, I was focused on Palmeiras. But once again, as I said yesterday, show how good Brazilian football is. From tomorrow, I will start to be focused on Fluminense.”

He stressed:

“I watched this afternoon’s game. I watched some games that they have played. And you can see that they are very well organised. They have some very good players. The manager is doing a fantastic job.”

Maresca knows Chelsea must handle the high energy of another Brazilian side.

“And again, it will be the same final. The energy from the Brazilian team in this competition has been high energy. Probably the reason why is because you are starting now the season, while we are finishing the season. So, the energy is normal. It is different. And we try to deal with that in a different way.”

Chelsea fans now wait to see if the Blues can keep their momentum, conquer the Brazil club, and book a place in the final.

The EPL side will be meeting their old defender Thiago Silva and his Fluminense teammates at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

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Last Updated on July 5, 2025 9:15 am by Sir Kris