Lukaku Sends Chelsea To Club World Cup final
Romelu Lukaku’s first-half strike sent Chelsea through to the Club World Cup final after beating Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal 1-0 at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea came close to opening the scoring through Hakim Ziyech, but the Moroccan fired the ball just over the bar. Lukaku calm scored inside 20 minutes, but failing to meet a low delivery from Cesar Azpilicueta across the face of goal.
Just after the half-hour mark, Lukaku got his breakthrough, gifted with a chance he could not miss as Havertz’s cross fell perfectly for him inside the six-yard box for his ninth goal of the season.
The decisive moment! 🙌#ClubWorldCuppic.twitter.com/tyLpj002i8.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 9, 2022
Havertz came close to doubling Chelsea’s lead in the early stages of the second half as his chipped effort beat the goalkeeper, but hit the frame of the goal.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, winners of last season’s AFC Champions League, really pushed for an equaliser in the second half as Chelsea lost control of the game. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be the hero for the Premier League side.
Moussa Marega and Mohamed Kanno came closest for Al Hilal, but the Spaniard pulled off a few impressive saves to allow Chelsea to see out the game.
Chelsea will now play Brazilian side Palmeiras, who beat Al Ahly on their way to the final, on Saturday.
The Blues will now look to lift the only trophy that has evaded them across Roman Abramovich’s 19-year ownership of the club.
Chidi Nwoke/Chelsea.
