Chelsea locked horns with Palmeiras at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium earlier today as they focused on securing a win and lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in Abu Dhabi. The Blues were solid in the first half but were unable to break the opposition down as they went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
Romelu Lukaku gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead in the 55th minute with a powerful header. Palmeiras were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark which Luan Garcia converted to make it 1-1. The match ended with both teams playing out a 1-1 draw after normal time.
Chelsea grew stronger in extra-time and were awarded a penalty which Kai Havertz scored in the 117th minute. The Blues protected their lead well and secured the victory after 120 minutes of grueling football.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the match against Palmeiras.
GK: Edouard Mendy – 6.5/10
The Chelsea keeper made two important saves during the game but won’t be pleased after failing to keep a clean sheet.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 6.5/10
He had to do a lot of defending but stood strong and produced a good display inside his half.
CB: Thiago Silva – 6/10
The Brazilian centre-back gave away a cheap penalty in the second half. Otherwise, he was solid at the back.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
The German talent was a rock at the back and did well to keep the opposition attackers frustrated for most of the game.
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RM: Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
The Spaniard was always willing to get forward but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
CM: N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Kante covered a lot of ground at the centre of the park and worked hard for his team at both ends of the field.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 6/10
He struggled to give a good account of himself and was replaced in the 91st minute.
LM: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7/10
Hudson-Odoi set up Lukaku’s goal with a great cross. However, he could only last 76 minutes.
RAM: Mason Mount – 6/10
He made a lively start to the game but had to go off because of injury.
LAM: Kai Havertz – 8/10
The German attacker tried his best to threaten the Palmeiras goal and finally managed to get his name on the scoresheet via the penalty spot in extra time.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 7/10
The Belgian forward gave Chelsea the lead with a good header. He even created a couple of decent chances for his teammates.
Substitutes:
RAM: Christian Pulisic – 7/10
He caused a few problems for the Palmeiras defenders.
LAM: Timo Werner – 6/10
Werner added some pace to Chelsea’s attack.
CM: Saul Niguez – 6/10
He injected some energy to Tuchel’s midfield.
LAM: Hakim Ziyech – 6/10
Ziyech delivered some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty box.
CB: Malang Sarr – 6/10
He was defensively solid in extra-time.
