Chelsea's warning for Palmeiras after Flamengo lesson | OneFootball

Chelsea defenders Marc Cucurella and Reece James have drawn direct comparisons between Palmeiras and Flamengo, reflecting on their previous defeat to the Rio club as they prepare to face Palmeiras in the upcoming Club World Cup quarterfinals, according to Lance.

Speaking on the eve of the match, Cucurella noted that the grueling experience against Flamengo has given Chelsea a new perspective on facing Brazilian teams in knockout competition. "Yes, of course, I think that game can teach us a lot. At the end of that match, we suffered a lot, maybe more than we expected or had planned," the Spanish full-back remarked. He recalled that Chelsea initially took the lead against Flamengo before losing control. He emphasized that the atmosphere, heavily influenced by Flamengo’s sizable support, also played a role: "We know they will have a lot of fans. Against Flamengo, we started winning but then they reacted, and in the end, we have to be there. I think 90 minutes of focus will be very important."

Cucurella expects the Palmeiras clash to demand the same mental sharpness: "If we stay concentrated for 90 minutes, we'll have many chances. Tomorrow will certainly be a difficult game, and we'll try to give everything to go through."

Similarly, Reece James described the Flamengo loss as a critical learning moment for Chelsea’s squad and expects another fiercely contested game against Palmeiras. The England defender called the match "a war," stating, "I think we definitely learned a lot playing against a Brazilian team in the group. They were a tough side and we are expecting a very difficult match tomorrow. We are ready for the war. We need to win and are preparing as best as possible in the current circumstances."

Chelsea’s last encounter against a Brazilian opponent, Flamengo, saw the English side relinquish an early advantage as Flamengo rallied to secure victory in a high-stakes group stage battle. The experience appears to have shaped both players’ perceptions of South American club opposition, forcing them to acknowledge the intensity and tactical discipline that teams like Flamengo and Palmeiras can pose.

As Chelsea look to avoid repeating past mistakes at this stage, their focus is firmly on staying mentally resilient throughout the contest, with emphasis on managing the game over the full 90 minutes. Both Cucurella and James's comments point to a clear respect for the level of organisation and hostile atmosphere brought by Brazilian sides, underscoring the tricky challenge that awaits against Palmeiras.

(Source: Lance)

Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images