Brazil legend Rivaldo has warned Chelsea that former club Palmeiras could take advantage of their poor recent form to spring an upset in Saturday’s Club World Cup final.
The Blues are gearing up for their second appearance in the showpiece this weekend, having suffered defeat against Corinthians when they last got there back in 2012.
Thomas Tuchel’s men, who headed to the tournament in Abu Dhabi with only one win to show for their last five Premier League outings, were fortunate to edge out a narrow 1-0 victory over Asian champions Al-Hilal in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
As for Palmeiras, last season’s Copa Libertadores winners were more convincing in their last-four triumph against Al Ahly, beating the African champions 2-0 to progress to Saturday’s final.
And while Chelsea head into the game as favourites, Rivaldo, who scored 60 goals in 90 appearances during his two-year stint at Palmeiras, believes his old side have a ‘good chance’ of coming away with the trophy.
‘The Club World Cup favourites suffered when beating Al-Hilal 1-0 and even gave up a few big chances in the second half,’ he told Betfair.
‘Of course Chelsea is a great team that is chasing their first CWC title after losing to Corinthians in 2012, and just like Palmeiras, they should be focused for Saturday’s final.
‘But Palmeiras could take advantage of Chelsea’s poor form to claim the title and I think they have a real chance of winning this.
‘Actually, while Chelsea are odds-on to win the game, I would say there is no favourite. This is two big teams clashing for a trophy and anything can happen in 90 minutes.
‘Palmeiras have a good chance of becoming the next world champion.’
Palmeiras, who are taking part in their second straight Club World Cup, have already gone one better at this year’s tournament after suffering a semi-final defeat back in 2020.
Rivaldo added: ‘Palmeiras seem to have learned from their mistakes in last year’s Club World Cup by producing a solid performance in their 2-0 semi-final win against Al Ahly. They were comfortable throughout, looking controlled in every department in what was a solid overall performance.
‘The team must have learned from their bad performances in last year’s tournament. They were more focused, cutting back on any errors that Al Ahly could take advantage of.
‘So, Palmeiras will be confident in the Final against Chelsea. They will believe it’s possible to beat the Europeans in a single match.’
