Club World Cup: Chelsea discover semi-final rivals

Al Hilal crushed hosts Al Jazira to secure a place in the tournament’s semi-finals.

Asian Champions Al Hilal defeated Qatari side Al Jazira 6-1 in their Club World Cup game on Sunday. The Saudi Arabian giants conceded an early opening goal in the 14th minute. However, they pulled off a crushing comeback to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Nigerian star Odion Ighalo, who joined the Saudi Arabian side last week, scored the equalizer. Five other goalscorers then sealed the victory for Leonardo Jardim’s side as they extended their lead into an emphatic scoreline.

Al Hilal, who currently sit fourth in Saudi Arabia’s top-tier league, will be Chelsea’s rivals in the semi-finals on Wednesday. The Blues will go into the game on the back of their narrow win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.

You love to see it! @Alhilal_FC 's Mohamed Kanno pumped after his assist to Odion Ighalo 🇸🇦 👏 pic.twitter.com/QPohWHB3MT
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 6, 2022

Chelsea will most likely play without Thomas Tuchel on the touchline against Al Hilal. The German manager tested positive for COVID-19 hours before his side’s FA Cup win.

In case Chelsea progress to the final, Tuchel could join them later on. Assistant manager Arno Michels will coach the Blues against Al Hilal in the upcoming game.

In a post-match interview after the game against Plymouth, Michels revealed how the coaching staff kept in touch with Tuchel.

“There was ongoing communication through Benni Weber [assistant coach/analyst]. He knows about our game so stayed in touch with Thomas the whole game. Everything was clear what we wanted to do so he spoke to him the whole time, which was good.

“I don’t know right now exactly what the situation is with Thomas and when he will be back. He has to follow the Government rules and is in self-isolation so we’re looking for the next few days.”

If they manage to beat their semi-final rivals, Chelsea will play in the competition’s final next Saturday. They will face the winner of the semi-final tie between Palmeiras and Al Ahly, which will take place on Tuesday.