Chelsea reach FIFA Club World Cup final: Key numbers
Romelu Lukaku's first-half goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final over Al-Hilal at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Blues will now face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final. Chelsea will now aim to win the only trophy that has evaded them across Roman Abramovich's 19-year ownership of the Premier League club. Here's more.
Chelsea advance through Lukaku's lone goal
Chelsea dominated the match from the start against the Saudi Arabian outfit and Lukaku netted just after the half-hour mark. Kai Havertz's left-wing cross was accidentally headed into the striker's path by Yasser Al Shahrani, and he slotted home from point-blank range. It was Lukaku's ninth goal of the season as he ended a six-game drought.
Why does it matter?
Chelsea are the favorites to lift the Club World Cup trophy as Thomas Tuchel eyes another piece of silverware. Notably, the Blues are alive in every cup competitions this season and one could see them finish with a bang. Chelsea will need to keep their shape intact and make sure they get past the line in the Club World Cup final.
Tuchel continues to reach finals
As per Squawka Football, after just 379 days in charge of Chelsea, manager Thomas Tuchel has managed to reach the final of every competition the Blues have entered since he took charge of the club. Chelsea won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. They were the runner-up in last season's FA Cup and have reached the Carabao Cup final this season.
Decoding the key numbers
In 26 matches, Lukaku has netted nine goals for the Blues this season. Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen made his 150th appearance for the club. Meanwhile, the Blues are aiming to become just the third English side to win the FIFA Club World Cup after Manchester United in 2008 and Liverpool in 2019. Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid have won the most Club WC trophies (4).
