ABU DHABI: Chelsea will get another chance to win the Club World Cup for the first time after beating Al Hilal 1-0 on Wednesday to set up a meeting with Palmeiras in the final.

Romelu Lukaku’s close-range goal in the 32nd minute settled a match between the European and Asian champions.

A European team has won 13 of the last 14 finals in the intercontinental competition. The last to lose were Chelsea, beaten by Corinthians in 2012.

Another Brazilian team in Palmeiras, the South American champions, await on Saturday and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel should be in Abu Dhabi for that. Tuchel missed the game against Al Hilal because he is isolating after contracting the coronavirus, and is hoping to be able to travel out for the final.

“We lacked a bit of rhythm but the players fought very hard to win this game and get to the final,” said Chelsea assistant Zsolt Low. “This competition is very important for the club. Chelsea have never won this competition, and that’s why myself and the players also feel the pressure.”

Lukaku’s goal was his first in six appearances and came after Al Hilal defender Yasser Al-Shahrani failed to clear a cross by Kai Havertz. The Belgium striker crashed home a finish from the edge of the six-yard box.

Al Hilal improved a great deal in the second half, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga pulling off several fine saves to keep them at bay.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2022