Chelsea reach Club World Cup final as Romelu Lukaku shoots down Al Hilal

Romelu Lukaku’s gift-wrapped goal proved enough for Chelsea to overcome a resolute Al Hilal 1-0 and reach the Club World Cup final.

Belgium hitman Lukaku spurned a clutch of fine openings but could not miss when presented with Yasir Alshahrani’s unwitting deflection just yards from goal.

The 28-year-old lashed into the net in Abu Dhabi, to end a five-match goal drought and book the Blues’ spot in Saturday’s final against Brazilians Palmeiras.

Chelsea will understandably cite jet lag and their hectic schedule for an off-kilter showing, and boss Thomas Tuchel’s continued absence due to Covid isolation doubtless also carries weight.

Assistants Arno Michels and Zsolt Low oversaw another win following Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Plymouth though.

The Stamford Bridge men had Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for the clean sheet, as the Spain stopper pulled off two vital, high-class saves in another assured performance at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal rocked the Blues at times as boss Leonardo Jardim sent out a disciplined and well-drilled set of players who pushed the Londoners right to the end.

Chelsea still warranted the win however, and will now have the chance to claim the club’s first Club World Cup crown.

The Blues lost out to Brazil’s Corinthians back in 2012, and captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be among those aiming to blot out that loss by lifting the title this time around.

As the Blues were forced to grind their way to the win, this was a night for the likes of hard men Mateo Kovacic and Toni Rudiger.

Boss Tuchel previously effectively described that pair as men you would not want to meet down a dark alley.

Time and again midfielder Kovacic and centre-back Rudiger blocked off