Chelsea gets into the final and will play against Palmeiras for the Club World Cup title

A Belgian goal Romelu Lukaku at half an hour, caused by a defensive error of the Al-Hilal Saudi, led to victory Chelsea against the Asian champion (0-1) and to the final of the Club World Cup.

It will be the London team’s second attempt to become world champion after the failed one ten years ago, when they were beaten by the Brazilian Corinthians. That was a severe setback for the English entity. That loss was the only time a European champion failed to win the trophy in the last fourteen editions.

Chelsea will seek the title against the Brazilian Palmeiras in the final on Saturday, which they reached with less solvency than expected against an inferior rival who did not give up until the end.

In fact, in the second half he put the goal of the Spanish Kepa Arrizabalaga in trouble despite the fact that Leonardo Jardim’s team accused a lack of talent in the final meters to question their rival’s victory.

It was enough for Chelsea to take advantage of the errors of the Saudi team. The goal came like this. A cross from the left by Kai Havertz to the penalty spot was poorly cleared by Yasir Al Shahrani, who left the ball at the feet of Romelu Lukaku, alone in front of the goalkeeper and who had no difficulty from the box to get it into the net. .

Thomas Tuchel’s painting did not need more. He allowed Al Hilal to take the initiative and have more of the ball, which in the end was lost in actions without danger.

The Asian champions put more momentum in the second half, but did not worry Chelsea. Matheus Pereira finished off in a good position with a quarter of an hour to go, but his shot went wide. The rest of the Saudi team’s attacks were solved by Kepa without difficulty.

Chelsea’s victory was not in danger and they closed the commitment with a long-awaited victory to fulfill and place themselves in the final for the title. (D)