FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP - CHELSEA JOINS PALMEIRAS !
Picture : Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the opening half sends Chelsea through to this weekend’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
CHELSEA IN FINAL !
Lukaku missed a couple of clear openings before he did find the net in the 32nd minute.The forward’s goal books Chelsea’s spot in the final on Saturday against Palmeiras.
Chelsea had hectic schedule, and boss Thomas Tuchel’s continued absence due to Covid isolation doubtless also carries weight. The Stamford Bridge men had Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for the clean sheet, as the Spain stopper pulled off two vital, high-class saves in another assured performance at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal rocked the Blues at times as boss Leonardo Jardim sent out a disciplined and well-drilled team who pushed the Londoners right to the end. Chelsea still warranted the win however, and will now have the chance to claim the club’s first Club World Cup crown.The Blues lost out to Brazil’s Corinthians back in 2012, and captain Cesar Azpilicueta, the only one to be there, will have his revanche !
Chelsea's midfielder Kovacic and centre-back Rudiger blocked off Al Hilal’s routes to goal in a clash where Moussa Marega and Matheus Pereira impressed for the Saudis, as the Blues were often put under relative pressure.