We’ve done it! We’re into the semi finals of the Club World Cup!!!

A solid display from our boys overall who didn’t look threatened throughout the game, even at 1-1 from a wonderful goal from our boy Estevao…

The first half was completely dominant where we could’ve been 2/3 goals up with missed chances.

A 10/15 spell into the second half is the only time we were on the back foot but Enzo Marescas changes swung the momentum back in our favour.

An energetic positive performance has got us in this position and we look to getting better each game.

We march on to play Thiago Silva’s Fluminese on Tuesday night to book a spot in the final!

UTC!!!

Player ratings:

Robert Sanchez- 7

Overall extremely quiet day and not much to be called up on. A couple of good catches from crosses and distributions improving game by game. Good positioning too for Palmeiras only chance of the first half. Arguably could have done better for the Estevao goal , beaten a bit too easily near post but take nothing away from the finish…

Malo Gusto- 8.5 (MOTM)

He’s had his critics but today he deserves all the praise. What a performance! Where has this Malo Gusto been?! Lowkey important for palmers goal who created the space for him in the middle and very good 1 v 1 defending. A dangerous ball into the box to force the own goal!

Trevoh Chalobah – 6.5

Handled the striker well and won a lot of aerial duals and seemed comfortable as a ball player too. Also a great threaded pass into palmers stride.

Levi Colwill- 7

Another solid display on show with Colwill growing better week by week! Memorable recovery challenge on Estevao and his short passing is far compared to times during the 24/25 season. Definitely could’ve defended better and positionally caught out for the goal. A couple of vital last ditch tackles at 1-1 helped a lot

Marc Cucurella- 7.5

Definitely looking himself again with his hilarious pitch antics and constant aggression to reduce any threat from Estevao. He was driving up with the ball more second half to get us up the pitch

Andrey Santos – 8

A late change to the lineup! But my god this kid is going to be a useful asset to us if he gets game time and opportunities. Completely controlled and dominated the midfield especially in a single pivot! His tackling and his timings of when to tackle and pass definitely played a huge part in our dominance in possession.

Enzo Fernandez- 6

Plenty of battling from our captain and successful take ons, tackles and long balls across the pitch have been top class. Overall quiet in and around the box

Pedro Neto- 7

Up until now, he has definitely been our player of the tournament. Absolutely grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and playing with some arrogance by kick starting a lot of attacks and delivering some delicious crosses. Big up to him especially with the horrid turn of events which happened this week

Cole Palmer- 7.5

An ice cold performance from our main man! By far his best of the tournament so far. We saw attributes to the Palmer we know by dictating the game and making things happen out of nowhere. A terrific turn and touch and a composed instinctive finish to top it off.

Christopher Nkunku – 5

Better compared to other weeks to be honest. He has been tracking back on the left flank and helping Cucurella out and has had a few combinations coming inside from wide areas

Liam Delap- 5

Decent hold up play but struggled slightly to have any impact on the game. Channeling his aggression a bit too much and recklessly picked up a yellow to miss the semi final. Still loads of gelling and polishing to do for Delap but that should come with time…

Subs:

Joao Pedro- 7

A couple of nice touches in and around the box for our new signing. Looks extremely sharp and has a lot tricks in his book! Unlucky to not score with a good save. Kick started plenty of attacks and excited to see what else he can bring to the table for us.

Noni Madueke- 6.5

A few good runs down the line but final ball and shot execution wasn’t there at times. Got better as the game went on and looked a threat constantly.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A

Dario Essugo – N/A

Enzo Maresca- 7.5

Again a very brave lineup by not picking a natural midfielder next to Enzo, but then forced to a late midfield change by handing Santos his first start! I guess also starting Pedro Neto knowing his head won’t fully be in the game due to the unfortunate passing of his close pal Diogo Jota.

Correct and timely substitutes which swinged the momentum of the game back onto favour when it was 1-1. Interesting to see Maresca throw Santos right into a single pivot with leas support from Enzo, perhaps something we see more in the future against lesser sides?