Kai Havertz scored an extra-time spot-kick to secure a first FIFA Club World Cup for Chelsea who edged past Palmeiras in a close contest at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
Both sides got the game underway on equal footing with efforts on goal on either side of the pitch proving indecisive for the coveted opening goal.
Palmeiras forward Dudu was looking to threaten the Chelsea goal but his strike did not have the returning Edouard Mendy called into action.
Chelsea were dealt a major blow around the half-hour mark with playmaker Mason Mount having to come off the pitch with American winger Christian Pulisic replacing him.
With the game restarting following the halftime break, Thomas Tuchel’s Blues had a well-earned opener to show for their dominance with Romelu Lukaku powering in a header from a Hudson-Odoi cross.
Palmeiras, however, got a respite with the referee pointing to the spot as Thiago Silva handled the ball in the box and Raphael Veiga made no mistake in sending Mendy the wrong way to level the affair.
Chances that came Chelsea’s way in the final stages of the game went to waste and with extra time on the cards, changes were rung in with Hakim Ziyech and Malang Sarr coming off the bench.
A handball inside the Palmeiras box had referee consulting VAR before rewarding the Blues with a spot-kick, dispatched by Kai Havertz with comfort, to clinch the win and the trophy for his side.
