Football fans in Tanzania and across the world are in for a thrilling night as Palmeiras lock horns with Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (CWC). This fixture reignites memories of the 2021 CWC final, which saw Chelsea edge past the Brazilian giants 2-1 after extra time. Will history repeat itself, or will Palmeiras get their revenge? Let’s dive into the match analysis, predictions, and top betting insights for this high-stakes encounter.
Match Preview: Form and Key Insights
Palmeiras – Defensive Masters with Attacking Woes
Palmeiras have been rock-solid at the back, conceding only two goals in four CWC matches (W2, D2). Their defensive discipline has been crucial, especially after a dramatic extra-time win over Brazilian rivals Botafogo in the Round of 16. However, an alarming trend continues—they haven’t scored before half-time in this tournament so far, highlighting a slow-starting attack.
- ✅ Undefeated in CWC 2025 (W2, D2)
- 🔐 Only two goals conceded in four matches
- 💤 No goals scored before half-time in CWC 2025
Chelsea – Offensive Power, Defensive Fragility Late On
Chelsea enter this clash on the back of a dominant 4-1 extra-time victory against Benfica, marking six wins in their last seven games under Enzo Maresca. The Blues’ attack has been on fire, scoring multiple goals in their previous four victories. However, there’s a potential weakness: all four goals conceded in this tournament have come after the hour mark, suggesting fatigue or lapses in concentration.
- ⚡ Six wins in the last seven matches
- 🔥 Scored after half-time in six of the last seven games
- ❌ All goals conceded in CWC 2025 have come after 60 minutes
Head-to-Head Record
- Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras – 2021 FIFA Club World Cup Final
Chelsea hold a psychological edge from their victory in 2021, but this Palmeiras side remains tough to break down.
Hot Stats and Trends
- Only 3 of Palmeiras’ last 15 matches saw both teams score.
- Three of Palmeiras’ four CWC matches produced under 2.5 goals.
- Chelsea’s CWC matches average 3.5 goals per game.
- Chelsea has scored in the second half in six of their last seven matches.
Players to Watch
Pedro Neto (Chelsea) – The Portuguese forward is enjoying a rich vein of form, scoring in three consecutive matches. His pace and dribbling could unlock even the tightest defence.
Paulinho (Palmeiras) – A super-sub with six goal contributions (3 goals, 2 assists) in his last five games. He’s a game-changer off the bench and could be Palmeiras’ secret weapon.
Team News
- Chelsea Out: Moisés Caicedo (suspended), Benoît Badiashile (injured)
- Palmeiras Out: Joaquín Piquerez (suspended), Gustavo Gómez (suspended)
These absences, especially in defence, could influence how open this match becomes.
Prediction and Betting Tips
This promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Palmeiras’ defensive rigidity will clash with Chelsea’s dynamic attacking approach. However, Chelsea’s tendency to score late and Palmeiras’ slow starts point towards a second-half-dominated affair.
Predicted Score: Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea (AET possible)
Best Bets:
- ✅ Over 2.5 goals – Chelsea’s matches have been high-scoring.
- ✅ Both Teams to Score – YES – Despite Palmeiras’ solid defence, Chelsea’s attack should breach it.
- ✅ Chelsea to win in extra time – A solid value bet if you’re seeking higher odds.
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