Lukaku ended his goal drought to send Chelsea to the tournament’s final.
Chelsea defeated Asian Champions Al Ahli 1-0 in their Club World Cup match on Wednesday. The Blues are now only a step away from winning their first trophy of the year.
A hard-fought victory!
Chelsea played without their manager Thomas Tuchel on the touchline as he continues his self-isolation in London. The Blues, however, maintained their usual approach to the game.
Al Hilal retreated into their own half while Chelsea dominated the midfield quickly. Throughout the first period, Hakim Ziyech’s brilliant performance down the right-hand side was the Blues’ main source of attacks.
Their plans finally worked out when Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark. Following a half-cleared cross from Kai Havertz, the Belgian kept his calm and ended his five-game goal drought with a precise finish.
Al Hilal made several attempts to clinch an equalizer in the second half but could not get past Chelsea’s solid defence. The Blues won the match with a 1-0 result, securing a place in the tournament’s final. The Blues will meet Brazilian heavyweights Palmeiras in their last step toward the trophy on Saturday.
Player Ratings
Al Hilal: Almualouf (7), Alburayk (6), Jang (7), Al bulayhi (6), Y.Shahrani (6), G.Cuellar (7), Kanno (7), Salem (7), Pereira (7), Marega (6), Ighalo (6).
Bench: Michael (6), Carrilo (6).
Chelsea: Kepa (7); Christensen (8), Silva (7), Rudiger (7); Azpilicueta (7), Kovacic (6), Jorginho (6), Alonso (6); Ziyech (8), Lukaku (7), Havertz (7).
Bench: Sarr (6), Kante (6), Mount (7).
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