Palmeiras’ hopes of Club World Cup glory were dashed as they suffered a hard-fought defeat to UEFA Conference League champions Chelsea at Lincoln Financial Field. Despite their exit from the tournament, Abel Ferreira’s side received praise for their resilience and competitive performances.
The Brazilian side, known as the ‘Verdao’, surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals and knocking out former Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo. However, they will return home empty-handed after their elimination.
Throughout the tournament, Palmeiras showcased standout performers such as Richard Rios, Weverton, and Fuchs. But it was 18-year-old Estêvão who stole the spotlight with his spectacular goal that made headlines worldwide.
In a thrilling match, Chelsea secured their spot in the next round by eliminating Palmeiras. Rising star Estêvão faced his future club in a high-stakes FIFA Club World Cup knockout clash, adding extra drama to the encounter.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer opened the scoring early on, but Palmeiras fought back with Estêvão’s incredible strike from an impossible angle. Despite their efforts, Palmeiras fell to Chelsea after AgustÃn Giay’s own goal sealed the English side’s victory.
Estêvão’s impressive performance earned him Player of the Match honors and showcased his talent on the global stage. The young Brazilian had already secured a move to Chelsea in May 2024 for a record-breaking fee of 65 million euros, making him the most expensive transfer from South America to Europe.
