Future Chelsea star Estevao Willian turned up when his side needed him to book their place in the next round of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian’s side Palmeiras picked up a 2-2 draw with Lionel Messi’s Inter Milan, with them scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to top the group.
Estevao played a key role in the result, which has helped them avoid a Round of 16 tie with Champions League holders PSG. They will now face Botafogo.
Chelsea will be hoping they can join their incoming star in the next stage of the competition. They need at least a point in their final group stage game against ES Tunis to advance to the next stage.
Estevao Willian arrives at the stadium ahead of Inter Miami CF v SE Palmeiras: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea have big chance of facing Estevao Willian at Club World Cup
Their defeat to Flamengo makes their best bet at advancing in the tournament be finishing second, with head-to-head record being taken into account before goal difference.
Chelsea are set for mass rotation for that game due to the extreme conditions they are facing at the end of a gruelling domestic campaign.
A draw will see the Blues advance, and set up a likely Round of 16 tie with Bayern Munich. Should they negotiate that, they will face Estevao and Palmeiras if they beat Botafogo.
As part of the agreement when he was signed, Estevao would not play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, but now the Blues face the realistic possibility of lining up against their future star.
Enzo Maresca issues instructions to his players during CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Estevao starring at Club World Cup
The Brazilian side relied on Estevao’s individual brilliance to help them get over the line in Group A, with European side Porto being sent home in the process.
Twice Estevao was named Player of the Match for his performance, with him certainly impressing before linking up with Enzo Maresca at the conclusion of the tournament.
The future is very bright for the Brazil international, and he will immediately be putting the likes of Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto on red alert ahead of a fight for their place in the side.