By Victor Kanayo
Premier League giants Chelsea and Brazil’s Fluminense are gunning for a final place in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup after both sides eliminated opponents in the quarter-final stage.
They will now face-off in the semi-final stage in few days to determine final placement.
In the last eight clash on Friday night, Hercules struck a 70th-minute winner to enable Fluminense defeat Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 2-1.
A fine left-foot finish from Matheus Martinelli had put the Rio club ahead in the 40th minute, but Al Hilal’s Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo levelled six minutes into the second half.
In the other match, Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium.
The Blues dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead through Cole Palmer in the 16th minute.
Palmer dribbled past two opponents before slotting the ball into the net.
Enzo Maresca’s side failed to double their lead before the break despite creating other chances.
Estevao equalised for Palmeiras in the 53rd minute with a superb shot from inside the box.
Chelsea found a fortuitous winner when Malo Gusto’s cross-shot was deflected by Agustin and went in off Weverton’s arm.
Paris Saint-Germain will later on Saturday square off in the remaining quarter-final encounter to determine the other semi-final fixture.
