Two wins from global glory, Premier League powerhouses Chelsea meet last South American team standing Fluminense in Tuesday’s Club World Cup semi-final.
After the Blues edged past Palmeiras and Flu overcame Asian giants Al-Hilal, the pair will convene in New Jersey, with a place in the final at stake.
Continuing a purple patch that has featured lifting a European trophy and securing qualification for next year’s UEFA Champions League, Chelsea have progressed to the Club World Cup semi-finals with four wins from five so far.
Though Chelsea finished second in Group D – due to a 3-1 defeat against Flamengo – few would deny they ended up on the more favourable side of the draw, avoiding several European heavyweights.
Club World Cup winners back in 2021, when they also beat Palmeiras, the London club are now within touching distance of another final at FIFA’s top tournament; after winning the Conference League in their last game before heading to the USA, they intend to secure a cup double.
Much has changed since a mid-season slump threatened to derail Maresca’s first year in charge, so the Blues will expect to defeat their former defensive rock Thiago Silva in the final four, setting up a showdown with either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
Of course, Fluminense have very different plans for Tuesday’s semi-final, having kept their dreams alive by conquering big-spenders Al-Hilal in the last eight.
Outsiders Fluminense have stayed in the tournament far longer than their fans may have imagined – by virtue of grit and vast experience – but a place in the final might be just beyond them.
Chelsea’s squad depth and proven knockout prowess makes them favourites, so the Blues should eventually prevail – even if it takes extra time.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
