In the 32nd minute of tonight’s match against Palmeiras, Christopher Nkunku found himself in the perfect position after demanding the ball from Cole Palmer, who beautifully created space and set him up for what looked like a sure goal

During the 32nd minute of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final match held on July 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a dramatic moment unfolded that left Chelsea fans both stunned and heartbroken. In this critical phase of the game between Chelsea and Brazilian side Palmeiras, forward Christopher Nkunku came agonizingly close to scoring a goal that would have reinforced his team’s dominance—only to be thwarted at the last second. His attempt not only showcased his attacking intelligence and the seamless connection he has developed with teammate Cole Palmer, but also became a defining moment in a tightly contested encounter.

This match was no ordinary fixture—it was a high-pressure rematch of the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final, adding emotional weight and competitive fire to an already important quarter-final. Chelsea, determined to secure a place in the semi-finals where Fluminense awaited, had taken the lead earlier thanks to a well-taken goal by Cole Palmer. With momentum on their side, the London club sought to extend their advantage and seize control of the match.

In a display of tactical coordination, Chelsea maintained their offensive push. Palmer, who was thriving under manager Enzo Maresca’s dynamic and fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, received the ball just outside Palmeiras’ penalty area. Sensing an opportunity, he used a clever body feint to evade two incoming defenders—Rony and Murilo—creating just enough space to orchestrate an attack. As Palmer scanned the field, he quickly identified Nkunku making a sharp, perfectly timed run toward the near post.

Nkunku, recognized for his intelligent off-the-ball movement and positioning, called for the pass with conviction. He placed himself ideally near the edge of the six-yard box, fully anticipating a clear scoring chance. Responding instantly, Palmer delivered a beautifully weighted through-ball that carved through Palmeiras’ defensive line, leaving their goalkeeper, Weverton, exposed and vulnerable.

Now one-on-one with the keeper, Nkunku—a 27-year-old French international who had struggled with injuries during his Chelsea stint but had recently found rhythm with eight goals in 18 Premier League starts—took his shot with precision, striking the ball firmly with his right foot. The stadium collectively held its breath in anticipation of a second Chelsea goal.

However, in a stunning twist, Weverton displayed remarkable reflexes. The veteran Brazilian goalkeeper reacted swiftly, diving low to his right and managing to get a strong hand on the ball, deflecting it away from goal. Defender Murilo, recovering quickly, cleared the loose ball before Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson could follow up. The opportunity was gone, and the reactions on the pitch were immediate: Maresca gestured animatedly from the touchline, clearly frustrated, while Nkunku stood frozen in disbelief, his hands gripping his head in despair.

This missed opportunity would later prove crucial. Just 21 minutes later, Palmeiras equalized through a sensational goal by Estêvão Willian. The 17-year-old forward unleashed a breathtaking strike from an extremely tight angle, leveling the score at 1-1 and swinging the match’s momentum toward the Brazilian side. What had begun as a dominant first-half display by Chelsea was suddenly slipping from their grasp.

The match highlighted a recurring problem for Chelsea throughout the tournament: their inability to turn possession and attacking pressure into goals. This same issue had cost them in their earlier 3-1 group-stage defeat to Flamengo. Nkunku’s miss, though only one moment in the match, came to symbolize this troubling pattern.

On social media platform X, fans voiced their frustration. One supporter described Nkunku’s squandered chance as “the kind of moment that haunts a season.” Others, however, praised Palmer for his exceptional vision and creativity—qualities that have earned him nine assists in Premier League play this season alone.

For Nkunku, this sequence epitomized his Chelsea journey thus far—periods of brilliance that have often been overshadowed by moments where luck or clinical precision deserted him. Despite the missed chance, his understanding with Palmer remains a positive takeaway for manager Maresca, who is working to rebuild Chelsea’s identity around creative, intelligent football.

Palmeiras, despite being without some of their key defenders, held firm under pressure and showed commendable resilience. Weverton’s save ultimately became a turning point in the match. As Chelsea continued to push for a late winner, the tension remained high, but Nkunku’s missed opportunity stood as a haunting “what-if” moment—a reminder of just how close Chelsea came to gaining full control before Estêvão’s brilliance changed the narrative.