Conmebol vs UEFA isa soccer classic wherever and whenever it is played; no matter if the protagonists are National Teams or just clubs. Earlier in 2022, a clash of this type will be available to be enjoyed by fans all around the world: Chelsea is facing Palmeiras in the final game of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021.
At least talking about clubs, it is undeniable that UEFA has a major level than Conmebol, so it is natural to considerthe Bluesas the favorites to win this tournament. However, when the whistle blows and the ball starts spinning, everything can happen.
Chelsea is the European representative in the FIFA Club World Cup after winning the Champions League‘s last edition and it has reached the decisive match by defeating Asian Champion Al Hilal. On the other hand,Palmeiras, conqueror of the last two editions of Copa Libertadores,triumphed over Al Ahly, the African representative, to win the right to fight for this tournament title.
The South American victories over European Clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup Final game
There have been few victories of Conmebol representatives against UEFA clubs in the decisive game of this tournament. The good news for Palmeiras is that his current rival, Chelsea FC, has lost his only match vs. a South American team in a FIFA Club World Cup: it was also a Brazilian squad.
There have been just 3 wins of South American representatives against European opponents considering a FIFA Club World Cup context. All of them have happened when this competition have been held in Japan. It has always been a Brazilian team the one capable of triumphing over a UEFA club.
In Japan 2005, it was the very first occasion that happened this has happened. Sao Paulo defeated Liverpool1-0. The only goal was scored by Carlos Luciano da SilvaMineiro. At that time, the tournament’sname was FIFA Club World Championship.
Liverpool vs Sao Paulo, FIFA Club World Cup 2005. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Just one year after, the South American domain continued as the BrazilianInternacional Porto Alegre overcame FC Barcelona in another one-goal match. TheInterhero was the midfielder Adriano Gabiru. On that occasion, Rijkaard’s team lineup with all of its stars: Carles Puyol, Rafael Marquez, Andres Iniesta, Deco, and Ronaldinho.
Ronaldinho could not avoid his team’s defeat. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
The last time Conmebol outdid UEFA in this tournamentwas ten years ago: in the Japan 2012 edition, Corinthians defeated Chelsea 1-0. The only goal that gavethe Timaoits second FIFA Club World Cupwas scored by Peruvian legend Paolo Guerrero. Chelsea was managed by Spanish Rafa Benitez and had a powerful roster including Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, andFernando Torres.
Chelsea vs Corinthians, FIFA Club World Cup 2012. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
General Balance of the UEFA vs Conmebol final games in the FIFA Club World Cup
Counting the upcoming Chelsea vs Palmeiras duel, there have been 12 decisive games between UEFA and Conmebol representatives in the FIFA Club World Cup. The statistics show that the European clubs have a clear domain of the situation.
There have been 8 UEFA victoriesagainst South American teams in this tournament final game so far. In fact, on the last occasion that these contenders have clashed in a FIFA Club World Cup, the European side defeated the Conmebol one: it was also a British club, Liverpool, overcoming a Brazilian rival, Flamengo in a one-goalmatch.
The European victories against South American clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup:
-Japan 2007, AC Milan 4-2 Boca Juniors,International Yokohama Stadium
-Japan 2008, Manchester United 1-0 Liga Deportiva Universitaria Quito,International Yokohama Stadium
-UAE 2009, Barcelona 2-1 Estudiantes, Zayed Sports City Stadium
-Japan 2011, Barcelona 4-0 Santos,International Yokohama Stadium
-Morocco 2014,Real Madrid 2-0 San Lorenzo, le Grand Stade Marrakech
-Japan 2015,Barcelona 3-0 River Plate, International Yokohama Stadium
-UAE 2017, Real Madrid 1-0 Gremio, Zayed Sports City Stadium
-Qatar 2019, Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo, Khalifa International Stadium
