By akshaymenon33@gmail.com 
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Quarter-Final Preview
🌟 The Night Chelsea Made History
It still gives us goosebumps, doesn’t it?
Abu Dhabi, 2022. A packed stadium. A tense final. Palmeiras on one side, Chelsea on the other — fighting not just for a trophy, but for a place in history. Ninety minutes weren’t enough. Tension rose, hearts raced, and then — Kai Havertz. Ice in his veins. A penalty in the 117th minute. Back of the net. Explosion.
That night, we weren’t just Champions of Europe —
We became Champions of the World.
Thiago Silva’s leadership, Mendy’s saves, Lukaku’s towering header — every second of that match is stitched into our identity. That was our moment. And now, Palmeiras return, seeking revenge.
But what they’ll face this time… is something new. Something still forming. Something fearless.
🔄 From Then to Now – A New Generation Rises
Fast forward to 2025. The faces have changed, the system has evolved, but the ambition remains untouched.
Under Enzo Maresca, this Chelsea side is young, dynamic, and quietly dangerous. Built not on star names, but on hunger, heart, and identity. While we’re still finding fluency, there’s no doubt — the potential is real.
The game against Benfica showed us something. We’re not just participating. We’re believing again.
❌ No Caicedo? No Problem
Yes, Moisés Caicedo misses out due to suspension, and that stings. But the midfield isn’t breaking. It’s blooming.
Romeo Lavia, finally fit, is ready to show why the club waited for him. Intelligent, calm, and confident, he’ll slot in seamlessly.
Beside him, Enzo Fernández — a World Cup winner who glides across the pitch like he’s playing on canvas. He doesn’t just pass, he dictates.
Together, they won’t just fill the gap. They’ll own the midfield.
🧱 Fortress Rebuilding
The backline’s looking stronger, and with Reece James back in action, our captain brings not just quality but identity. Leadership. Heart.
Lining up alongside him, expect a rotation of Badiashile, Colwill, Adarabioyo, and Cucurella — a mix of muscle, youth, and growing chemistry. Between the posts, it’s a toss-up -either the agile Robert Sánchez or promising young Filip Jörgensen. Whoever it is, they’ll need to stay alert against Palmeiras’ sharp shooters.
⚡ Attack With Intent
Leading the creative charge is Cole Palmer — elegant, intelligent, and always in control. He links everything with purpose. If given space, he’ll find the gaps that others can’t see. Christopher Nkunku brings fluid movement and unpredictability.
Nicolas Jackson, when switched on, can be deadly — stretching defences, pouncing on chances.
And Liam Delap? He’s young, raw, but fearless — and these are the nights that turn boys into Blues.
🟢 What Palmeiras Bring
They haven’t forgotten Abu Dhabi. They’ve grown stronger — with familiar threats like Estevao, Paulinho, and Roque. Expect grit, technique, and counterattacks laced with danger.
The 17-year-old wonderkid Estevao is already dazzling for Palmeiras — and yes, he’s officially signed for Chelsea. But before he becomes one of us, he might try to hurt us.
Let’s just hope the kid doesn’t turn it on against his future club. We’ll welcome him with open arms soon — but for now, we’d like him to keep quiet. Just this once.
đź’™ This Is For Us
From London to Lagos, Kerala to California — wherever you’re watching from — this night belongs to you too. The fans who stay up late. The ones who never stop believing.
Because Chelsea isn’t just a club. It’s a feeling. A family.
And nights like this?
They remind us why we bleed Blue.
🗣️ Let’s Hear You, Blues
— Who’s your pick in goal: Sánchez or Jørgensen?
— Should Delap get more minutes?
— Will Estevão impress — or get kept quiet?
Drop your thoughts below and be part of the True Blue Diaries.
Let’s bring the world stage home again.
Up the Chels. Always.
Hope chelsea wins against Palmeiras and edge closer to the fifa club world cup final.