Chelsea qualified for the second Club World Cup final in their history by defeating Al Hilal (1-0) on Wednesday (February 9th) in Abu Dhabi, even if the Saudis caused some scares for Londoners in the last half hour.
A goal from Romelu Lukaku, established at the top, and well placed to take back from six meters a failed clearance from the head of Yasser Al-Shahrani (1-0, 32nd) was enough for the happiness of the Blues who will face the Brazilians of Palmeiras in the final , Saturday.
The Londoners seemed to be off to a good start at the break, however, having conceded nothing to timorous opponents despite their clear success (6-1) against local club Al Jazeera in the previous round.
Even the start of the second half rather foreshadowed a favorable and easy outcome, with an attempt from a tight angle by Kai Havertz which rebounded off the outside of the post (48th) and a half-volley from Moroccan Hakim Ziyech which spun towards the skylight before Abdullah Al-Mayouf diverts it (60th).
Love to see it. #ClubWorldCup pic.twitter.com/mMXZCpepuh
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 9, 2022
But Chelsea seemed to stop playing at that time and without a good Kepa, who succeeded in his interim in the cages in the absence of Edouard Mendy, winner of the CAN with Senegal, the extension would have everything to made was possible.
Facing the former Porto striker, Moussa Marega (63rd), and on a 25-meter shot from Mohamed Kanno, the Basque preserved the dream of a first world title for Chelsea, who have never won this trophy.
It will probably be much more consistent to overcome Palmeiras in the final on Saturday. The last winner of the Copa Libertadores had qualified for the final on Tuesday by beating great regulars in the event (8 participations), the Egyptians of Al-Hilal (2-0).