Al Hilal 0-1 Chelsea: Romelu Lukaku on target for Blues to set up World Club Cup final against Palmeiras

Romelu Lukaku's much-needed goal proved the winner as Chelsea held on nervously to claim their place in the Club World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Al-Hilal at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Blues — hoping to go one better in this competition after losing the 2012 final to Corinthians on penalties — were utterly dominant in the first half, creating multiple opportunities, but had to absorb huge pressure from the Asian champions after the restart.

Ad/> Hakim Ziyech went close with a shot from the edge of the box, while the unmarked Lukaku failed to make a connection from Azpilcueta's cross. Premier League'I wanted to try and hurt someone' — FA contacts Rooney over 'long studs' claim9 HOURS AGO However, the Belgium international finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd-minute, capitalising on a defensive error to slot home from a few yards out.

Kai Havertz slalomed down the left flank before clipping the post with a deft finish, as Chelsea continued to press for goals in the early stages of the second half. However, having been a bystander for large parts of the game, Kepa Arrizabalega was called upon to make an important save when Moussa Marega was played through on goal, as Al-Hilal's belief grew with Chelsea unable to kill the contest off.

Kepa then pulled off a stunning one-handed save to push Mohamed Kanno's curling effort round the post. Chelsea wrestled back control of the game in the latter stages to keep a clean sheet and set up a final with Palmeiras on Saturday.

TALKING POINT — Lukaku back on the scoresheet, but plenty for Tuchel to consider After a difficult period, Lukaku showed glimpses of a return to form and grabbed the goal that should boost his morale. Al-Hilal allowed him the space he has