Having triumphed over Palmeiras in the quarter-final, their focus is now on the final, but they must first defeat the Brazilian team that eliminated Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.
When Enzo Maresca’s team steps onto the field at MetLife Stadium to face the Team of Warriors, they will encounter a familiar opponent in Silva, who played for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners from 2020 to 2024.
Santos, who spent his first season at Chelsea under the guidance of the Brazilian legend, spoke highly of the veteran's impact both on and off the field, but insists it will be a completely different match when they meet.
"Thiago Silva was extremely significant for me during my initial season here," Santos shared with the media.
"He is crucial for Chelsea and its supporters as well. However, (in the semi-final), he is my opponent, so we need to put in a lot of effort against him."
Fluminense will present a significant challenge for the London team, as the Brazilian top-flight side remains unbeaten in this year's tournament, having already eliminated Inter Milan and Al Hilal on their way to the semi-finals.
Tuesday’s crucial match will mark the ninth meeting between English and Brazilian clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, with both nations' teams evenly matched at four wins each from the previous eight encounters.
The Blues have participated in half of those matches, maintaining a balanced record of two wins and two losses. Notably, both of their victories were against Palmeiras, including their recent win over the Brazilian club in this year’s quarter-final.
With this context, the 21-year-old emphasizes that he and his Chelsea teammates must elevate their performance once again tomorrow evening to secure a place in the tournament’s final.
"It’s a significant match tomorrow against a formidable team. We must prepare thoroughly because this game is crucial for us, a semi-final, so we have to work hard and ensure we are ready.
"Certainly, this tournament holds great importance for us. We aim to win every tournament we enter, but we also recognize the need to improve against Fluminense. We will take it one step at a time."
This will be Chelsea’s third matchup against a Brazilian team in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, following a 3-1 group stage defeat to Flamengo and a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals against Palmeiras.
Remarkably, the Blues are the only team in this year’s tournament to face three opponents from the same nation.
Conversely, Fluminense managed only 42.7% possession against Al Hilal in the quarter-final, marking the fourth time in five matches during this year’s competition that they have held less than 50% possession.
Therefore, they are the only remaining team in the tournament to have a lower possession share in the majority of their games.
The winner of this match will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the final scheduled for June 13.
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