Lukaku Takes Chelsea To Club World Cup Final Against Palmeiras

Romelu Lukaku scores the only goal against Al Hilal (Twitter @chelseafc)

JAKARTA - Romelu Lukaku's lone goal in the first half gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on Wednesday to seal the Premier League club's place in the Club World Cup final.

European champions Chelsea will face Brazilian side Palmeiras on Saturday at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after Belgian striker Lukaku fired home from close range in the 32nd minute.

Romelu Lukaku: Right place, right time pic.twitter.com/shRwNmiMKj

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 9, 2022

As reported by Reuters quoted by Antara, the Blues, without coach Thomas Tuchel on the touchline after he tested positive for COVID-19, took control of the game in the first half so they deserved to take the lead.

After an effort was saved by goalkeeper Al Hilal, Lukaku made no mistake when Kai Havertz's cross fell to his feet to finish from five yards.

However, Asian champions Al Hilal improved greatly in the second half. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a number of brilliant saves to withstand the attack of the team from Saudi Arabia.

The Spaniard, who replaced first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who had just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, was able to parry Mooussa Marega's shot and with one hand thwart Mohamed Kanno's effort.

Chelsea threatened the opponent's goal at the end of the second half but did not produce an additional goal. However one goal from Lukaku was enough for them to reach the final of a tournament they have never won.

FT: @ChelseaFC 1-0 @Alhilal_FC See you in the final!#ClubWorldCup #ClubWC pic.twitter.com/pzKVH9gN6I

— FIFA Club World Cup 2021 (@ClubWorldCups) February 9, 2022

The day before, South America's Palmeiras made it right in the final after beating African champions Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 in the semifinals.