European champions Chelsea secured their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title after defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in extra-time on Saturday night.
Result: Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras
Date: 12 February 2022
Venue: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium
Coach Thomas Tuchel was back on the bench after recovering from Covid-19, as Africa CUp of Nations winner Edouard Mendy returned alongside N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The Blues were well aware of their last exploits in the tournament when they lost to another Brazilian side, Corinthians, in the final in 2012.
The game got off to a slow start, with the game's first chance arriving in the 24th minute when Danilo picked out Dudu who saw his strike sail over Mendy's crossbar.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were dealt a big blow in the 33rd minute as Mason Mount was unable to recover from the knock he picked up in the semi-finals and was forced to make way for Christian Pulisic.
The Blues went close to getting the breakthrough just before the break as Thiago Silva was given time and space to unleash a strike but Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton tipped the effort over the crossbar.
However, the breakthrough arrived 10 minutes into the break when Hudson-Odoi broke down the left before sending a cross into the box where Lukaku was on hand to head home.
The lead didn't last too long as the Brazilians were awarded a penalty on 64 minutes when the ball struck Silva's hand, which allowed Raphael Veiga to slot home from 12-yards out.
Both sides threw everything forward in search of a second goal, although Tuchel withdrew Lukaku and Hudson-Odoi for Timo Wenrer and Sual Niguez in the final 13 minutes.
The game eventually went to extra-time after neither side could find a go-ahead goal, but it was the Blues who found the winner with two minutes left on the clock .
The Blues were awarded a penalty after Luan was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Cesar Azpilicueta looked to set to take the penalty but it was Kai Havertz who stepped up and sealed the title from 12-yards out.
