The Copa Libertadores champion from Brazil, Palmeiras, had to admit the superiority of the English giants Chelsea in the final which was held at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday. Thanks to a 2-1 victory, Chelsea was crowned the new champions of the Club World Cup.
The match went into extra time after ending 1-1 for 90 minutes. Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz scored two Chelsea goals, while Palmeiras had equalized through Raphael Veiga’s goal.
Both teams attacked each other since the game started, but the first dangerous opportunity only appeared in the 15th minute. Chelsea create opportunities through Mason Mount kick. However, his efforts were still wide of the Palmeiras goal.
Palmeiras hit back seven minutes later. Dudu weaved his way through the Chelsea defense before releasing a shot that bounced over Edouardo Mendy’s goal. In the 27th minute, Palmeiras attacked through a counter-attack scheme which was completed by Dudu’s kick. Unfortunately the Brazilian attacking midfielder kick was still wide.
Tuchel made a substitution in the 30th minute. The Chelsea coach brought in Christian Pulisic to replace Mason Mount. Chelsea almost broke the deadlock just before halftime. Thiago Silva’s long-range kick can still be pushed over by Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton.
No goals were created until halftime. The first half ended with a goalless draw.
Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Romelu Lukaku was named on the scoreboard through his header after welcoming Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross. Chelsea lead 1-0. Palmeiras was awarded a penalty kick in the 62nd minute after Thiago Silva had handballed. According to Antara,
Raphael Veiga stepped forward as an executor and successfully carried out his duties perfectly. The position changed 1-1. In the 77th minute, Thomas Tuchel played Saul Niguez and Timor Werner in place of Lukaku and Hudson-Odio. However, Chelsea still struggle to penetrate Palmeiras’ solid defense.
No additional goals were created. The game was continued into extra time.
Chelsea brought on Hakim Ziyech early in extra time for Matteo Kovacic. The Blues were awarded a penalty in the 116th minute after a Palmeiras player handballed Azpilicueta’s shot. Kai Havertz who took a penalty was able to carry out his duties perfectly and brought Chelsea 2-1 ahead.
Palmeiras played with 10 men towards the end of extra time. Luan Garcia was sent off for a tackle on Kai Havertz. The 2-1 scoreline for Chelsea lasted until the final whistle and the English club were crowned the new Club World Cup champions.
