SEMI-FINAL CLASH: Fluminense vs Chelsea – WAT Kick-off Details

 

🗓 Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

🕗 Kick-off: 20:00 WAT (19:00 UTC)
🏟 Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford / New York

---

Form & Background

• Fluminense arrive after their stunning upset of Al‑Hilal, a win built on veteran leadership from Thiago Silva and record-breaker Fábio (44), and clinical finishes by Matheus Martinelli and super-sub Hércules.

• Chelsea, meanwhile, ousted Palmeiras 2‑1, thanks to Cole Palmer’s early strike and a deflected winner, with teenager Estêvão shining, while goalkeeper Weverton endured a night to forget.

---

Tactical Showdown

Aspect	Fluminense	Chelsea
Formation	4‑2‑3‑1 with deep midfield (André, Martinelli)	Enzo Maresca’s 4‑3‑3/4‑2‑3‑1 hybrid, creative focus (Palmer, Estêvão)
Defense	Anchored by Silva and Fábio—organized, disciplined	Youthful but vulnerable backline; pressure on midfield to protect defense
Attack	Fast transitions, counter-attacks via Arias, Cano	Winger-driven, with Palmer central; threat from young Estêvão

---

Beyond the Tactics

• Sentimental subplot: Thiago Silva battles his former club in a clash ripe with narrative.

• Underdog spirit vs star power: Fluminense embody resilience; Chelsea press with youthful energy.

• Set-piece threats: Fluminense’s counters can exploit Chelsea’s transitional weaknesses.

---

Expect a tense, strategic battle. Chelsea will push early, seeking to exploit pace and width. Fluminense will absorb pressure and capitalize on counters. A single moment—be it a deflected goal, set-piece, or defensive lapse—might decide this tight duel.

Winner secures a coveted final spot on July 13 in MetLife Stadium, facing either PSG/Bayern Munich City or Real Madrid/Borussia Dortmund.