Chelsea are two games away from Club World Cup glory, but a stubborn Fluminense side are aiming to reach the tournament’s showpiece event at their expense in Tuesday’s semifinal.
Despite tasting defeat to Flamengo in the group stage, Chelsea found themselves on the kinder side of the knockout stage draw and have taken full advantage so far. However, they’ve been made to work incredibly hard to reach the last four.
Extra time was needed to down Benfica before they struck in the final ten minutes to defeat Palmeiras 2–1 in the “Estêvão Willian Derby.”
The Blues’ summer travails are boosting their finances hugely, but they’ve also shown throughout the competition that this is a trophy they desperately want to get their hands on.
Fluminense have embarked on a stunning journey to the final four, with Manchester City slayers Al Hilal the latest to succumb to the Brazilian outfit’s resilience and slick work in attacking transition. Led by the timeless Thiago Silva in defence, Flu have already beaten Inter in the knockouts having dominated Borussia Dortmund in a stalemate on Matchday 1.
Chelsea will have to be at their best to advance.
Here is guide to this Club World Cup semifinal.
