Chelsea benefitted from a fortuitous late own goal to snatch a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras and reach the Club World Cup semi-finals.
Extra-time was looming in Philadelphia when Malo Gusto’s cross took deflections off Agustin Giay and goalkeeper Weverton and ended up in the back of the Brazilians’ net in the 83rd minute.
The London side had led early on through Cole Palmer but were pegged back by a superb strike from Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old winger who will join them after the tournament.
Palmeiras’ Estevao reacts after scoring against Chelsea at the Club World Cup
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez reacts at the end of the Club World Cup win over Palmeiras
Palmeiras had been threatening to finish the stronger, but Gusto’s late stroke of luck ensured it was Chelsea who went through to face Fluminense in the last four on Tuesday at 8pm UK time.
Liam Delap and Levi Colwill, though, will miss the semi-final after being booked.
Neto’s Jota tribute as Pedro makes debut
Pedro Neto of Chelsea holds a jersey with the names Diogo and Andre to observe a moment of silence in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother
The contest at Lincoln Financial Field was played in a vibrant atmosphere with the crowd, perhaps helped by the dynamically-priced tickets having dropped as low as £8 earlier in the day, an impressive 65,782.
Chelsea were forced into a late reshuffle before kick-off after captain Reece James was injured in the warm-up.
Pedro Neto started despite having considered missing the game following the death of his Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota and he held up a shirt bearing his name and that of his brother Andre Silva, during a pre-match moment’s silence.
Palmer had already forced a good save from Weverton when he opened the scoring following a fine run and finish on 16 minutes.
The England international wrong-footed a defender with a quick turn and he then swerved past another challenge before delivering a left-foot shot into the bottom corner.
With Marc Cucurella giving Estevao a tough time until this point, Palmeiras struggled to create openings.
But the equaliser came early in the second half through Estevao as the Brazilian took a pass from the right and lashed in a shot from a tight angle.
Chelsea’s Joao Pedro controls the ball chased by Palmeiras’ Paulinho during the Club World Cup
It was a stunning finish, and Chelsea immediately responded by sending on Joao Pedro for his debut following his £60m move from Brighton.
Chelsea had a scare when Allan drove narrowly wide, and Colwill needed to make a last-gasp interception to prevent another Palmeiras chance.
But they had a good opportunity themselves when Cucurella shot over and then edged in front when Gusto’s cross took a ricochet and fooled Weverton.
It was a decisive blow, and Noni Madueke almost added a third when his late shot was tipped onto the post by Weverton.
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
