Chelsea booked their place in the Club World Cup final by edging Asian champions Al Hilal on Wednesday.
After a number of missed chances, Romelu Lukaku hit the winner before the break in Abu Dhabi.
Al Hilal turned the pressure on the Blues, backed by a solid following of fans, and forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a number of saves in the second-half. It will be tough for Thomas Tuchel to decide between the Spaniard and the returning Edouard Mendy for the weekend.
South America’s Palmeiras now await in Saturday’s final.
James Robson was in Abu Dhabi to deliver his verdict on Chelsea’s performers...
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 8
Two wonderful saves ensured Chelsea’s safe passage to Saturday’s final. It will be hard on him when he has to give up the No1 spot to Mendy.
Thiago Silva - 7
Some subtle moments that demonstrated his calm control when stepping out to intercept. One vital first-half header prevented Odion Ighalo from what looked a certain goal.
Andreas Christensen - 6
Produced a brilliant tackle that prevented Ighalo from bursting through on goal in the first-half - a battle that continued throughout.
Antonio Rudiger - 6
Dominated his space, but still had a scare when Moussa Marega got in behind him in the second-half.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7
A cross to Lukaku early on deserved a better finish. Played really high up the pitch to pin Al Hilal back.
Mateo Kovacic - 8
No better demonstration of his qualities than in the build-up to Lukaku’s opener – carrying the ball from deep in his own half up to Al Hilal’s final third. He is so effective in moments like that. Dominated midfield.
Jorginho - 6
A very comfortable run out against an Al Hilal who saw little of the ball, allowing him to pick his passes with precision before going off at half-time.
Marcos Alonso - 6
Al Hilal’s best work came down his side, but he got up well in support of Kai Havertz and created space for the German with his overlapping runs.
Hakim Ziyech - 7
Carried on his promising form, even in the 3-4-3 formation that is not his preferred system. Provided plenty of service to Lukaku and almost got on the scoresheet himself.
Romelu Lukaku - 7
How much good will that goal do for him? Benefited from better service and should have scored more – missing two really good early chances. But he linked well with those around him.
Kai Havertz - 7
As bright as he has looked for some time. Linked well with Lukaku – including the cross for the Belgian’s goal. Unlucky not to score when hitting the post.
Substitutes
N’Golo Kante (Jorginho, 46’) - 6
Managed to get forward in support of the front men and continually forced Al Hilal to retreat.
Mason Mount (Ziyech, 72’) - 5
Got minutes into his legs, but Chelsea missed Ziyech’s menace when after he went off.
Malang Sarr (Alonso, 87’) - N/A
