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After experiencing some recent difficulties, Chelsea seems to have found some good form under new manager Rafael Benitez.
The UEFA Champions League winners defeated Mexican club Monterrey 3-1 in their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. It was not only an impressive score-line, but an impressive performance from the London club.
David Luiz was played further up the pitch than usual, joining Mikel in the holding midfield role. Chelsea’s Brazilian defender fitted into this position perfectly, and after a good run in the sixth minute Luiz provided a great through ball for Hazard.
The Belgian curled the ball around the keeper but just around the outside of the goal too.
Chelsea players were linking up well and holding good possession. Some great build up play led to the first goal in the 17th minute.
After an initial attack the ball was cleared out of the box by Monterrey’s keeper, Ashley Cole fired the ball back in to the feet of Oscar, who played a clever back heel for Cole to run onto. Cole squared the ball across for Mata who fired the ball past a diving defender and the out-stretching keeper into the back of the net.
Chelsea played well, with plenty of short passing and used their triangles well. The attacking midfield trio of Oscar, Mata and Hazard continually rotated positions, making it very difficult for Monterrey to defend against.
However, Chelsea did seem to lack a goal scoring striker, such as they had with Drogba not long ago. Since taking over, Rafa has certainly been able to bring some good football from Torres, but the striker of old is yet to be seen and perhaps never will again.
Chelsea’s number nine received a perfect chip from Hazard in the Monterrey goal box, but failed to find the back of the net. With too many touches the keeper was able to safely collect the ball from the feet of Torres.
Chelsea continued to dominate in the second half, scoring a goal straight from the kick-off.
The ball was played back to Cahill who lobbed it up-field. The ball found Hazard on the left wing, who made it to the bi-line and pulled the ball back for Torres. The Spaniard fired towards goal, the ball took a deflection and looped over the keeper and into the back of the net.
The score became 3-0 less than two minutes later, thanks to a Monterrey own goal. Torres found himself with room on the left wing, and with three-on-two he crossed the ball in for Mata.
The number 10 attempted to cut the ball back for Oscar but Monterrey’s Chavez got in the way. The ball found itself tangled between the defender’s legs and rolled into the open goal.
Among cheering from the crowd, Frank Lampard was substituted on for Luiz in the 63rd minute. Mata was replaced by defender Paulo Ferreira, and Torres made way for 22 year-old striker Victor Moses in the 79th minute.
Although John Terry was missing from the Chelsea defence, his absence was not noticed until the 91st minute. After a quick break from the Mexican club, De Nigris found himself with some room on the right wing. The striker powered the ball past Cech for a consolation goal.
Despite this lone goal, Chelsea won the match relatively comfortably and created good chances in attack and held good possession.
In Wednesday night’s other semi-final, Corinthians from Brazil defeated Egyptian side Al-Ahly. The only goal came for Corinthians in the 30th minute.
From the left flank, Douglas chipped the ball into the box. Danilo and Guerrero both got in behind the defenders and had to fight each other to get to the ball first. Guerrero beat his team-mate and headed it past the outstretching keeper and into the back of the net.
The Brazilians managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead despite the possession and determination of Al-Ahly in the second half. The 2000 tournament winners will play Chelsea in the final on Sunday night Australian time.
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