The Blues were excellent in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and arguably deserved to lead by a far greater margin than Cole Palmer's goal afforded us.

But Palmeiras fought back well and Chelsea fans were given a glimpse into the future as Estevao Willian - who will join the Blues following this tournament - scored an impressive equaliser early in the second period.

The second 45 minutes lacked the control and composure we had shown in the first half and in the end a moment of fortune helped us score the crucial second goal, as Malo Gusto's cross was deflected in and past Weverton for an own-goal by the Palmeiras goalkeeper.

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the final four on Tuesday night, with the Brazilian side's squad including a certain Thiago Silva.

Late change to line-up

Enzo Maresca made four alterations to his starting XI, with four players ruled out. Moises Caicedo was suspended for this one, while both Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia were not fit enough to make the squad.

Reece James had been set to move into midfield but shortly before kick-off our captain had to withdraw, meaning a first Blues start for Andrey Santos.

Trevoh Chalobah returned in the heart of defence alongside Levi Colwill and with both of our centre midfielders from the win over Benfica and James unavailable, Enzo Fernandez started in a slightly deeper position alongside Andrey Santos. Gusto came in at right back and Christopher Nkunku was handed a spot in one of the more advanced positions.

Before kick-off, players from both teams remembered former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva following their passing this week.

Chelsea were completely dominant throughout the first half, enjoying 68 per cent possession and creating nine shots at goal, with four on target, compared to Palmeiras managing two shots and their first attempt on target did not arrive until the 42nd minute.

Palmer was arguably the most dominating factor in the opening 45 minutes. The England international set the tone early on as he had a right-footed shot from the edge of the box saved after just four minutes and went on to create several other openings in the first half.

Classy opener

So it was no surprise the game's opening goal came courtesy of Palmer just after the quarter-hour mark, as his excellent touch on the edge of the area helped create the space and his low left-footed strike was calmly slotted into the bottom corner for 1-0.

Enzo Fernandez had a strike from distance saved soon after as the Blues continually attacked, with dangerous crosses regularly causing panic in the opposition defence.

Chalobah saw a shot from inside the area dragged wide before a slick move involving some good hold-up play from Liam Delap and more impressive work from Palmer ended with Nkunku firing over the bar.

There was a warning shot from Palmeiras when they sent in a dangerous cross on 37 minutes and although the offside flag went up, it reiterated the lead was only one goal.

It took 42 minutes for Palmeiras to have an effort on target, as Vanderlan had a header saved, but after the break the Brazilians were a different side and offered a much greater threat.

Equaliser

Estevao Willian, who will be joining Chelsea following the Club World Cup, equalised for Palmeiras as an impressive first touch from the 18-year-old created the space to get a right-footed shot away and although it was from a tight angle, the power and accuracy from close range saw the ball beat Sanchez at his near post and rebound in off the crossbar and then far post.

Maresca immediately introduced new signing Joao Pedro and Noni Madueke in a double change, as Delap and Nkunku made way, and Madueke made an immediate impact, as he saw a shot blocked for a corner.

Chelsea had dominated possession and controlled the game well in the first half but the second period was much more end-to-end and open.

Joao Pedro dragged a shot wide just after the hour mark before Chelsea needed a great last-ditch block from Colwill to deny a goal-scoring opportunity for the arriving Vitor Roque.

Chelsea regained a bit more control as the half went on. Cucurella uncharacteristically flashed a shot from inside the penalty area over the bar before Palmer then saw a free-kick which was heading for the top corner headed away.

Back in front

The game's deciding goal ended up arriving in fortuitous circumstances. A short Chelsea corner, after Enzo had a shot from distance blocked, ended with the ball coming out to Gusto and when he sent in a low cross from the left, the ball rebounded off the defender's outstretched leg and goalkeeper Weverton could not adjust his body in time and could only help the ball on its way into the net for an own-goal.

Another cross from Gusto, this time from deep, almost found Joao Pedro before Bruno Fuchs' great recovering tackle denied our new signing, before Palmeiras went straight up the other end and substitute Paulinho saw a shot trickle past the far post.

Chelsea almost grabbed a third in injury-time twice in quick succession. A break saw Joao Pedro release Madueke and his powerful shot was palmed on to the post for a corner. And then our new signing almost grabbed his first goal as a strike squirmed under Weverton but the Palmeiras keeper did enough to direct the ball wide.

The final whistle went soon after and although Maresca will have wanted a more composed and controlled second half, the Blues were good value for the victory and are through to the final four of the Club World Cup.

What it means

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Kick-off will be 3pm local and 8pm UK time.

The teams

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Andrey Santos (Essugo 90+1) Enzo; Neto (Dewsbury-Hall 87), Palmer, Nkunku (Madueke 55); Delap (Joao Pedro 55).
Substitutes not used: Jorgensen, Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Tosin, Anselmino, Sarr, George, Guiu, Jackson
Goalscorers: Palmer 16, Weverton (og) 83
Booked: Delap 45+3, Gusto 41, Colwill 86

Palmeiras: Weverton, Vanderlan, Bruno Fuchs, Micael, Agustín Giay, Emiliano Martínez (Moreno 76), Richard Ríos (Raphael Veiga 85), Facundo Torres (Paulinho 67), Allan (Mauricio 67), Estêvão, Vitor Roque (Lopez 76)
Substitutes not used: Mateus, Marcelo Lomba, Marcos Rocha, Felipe Anderson, Mayke, Lucas Evangelista, Luighi, Naves, Thalys, Benedetti
Goalscorers: Estevao 53
Booked: Rios 78