Raphael Veiga canceled out Romelu Lukaku's opener before Kai Havertz struck from the penalty spot in the 117th minute to complete Chelsea’s clean sweep of major global club trophies.
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Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup final to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Romelu Lukaku headed Chelsea in front in the second half before Raphael Veiga’s equalised from the penalty spot after Thiago Silva was penalised for handball inside the box and the game went to extra time. Late in the extra time, Palmeiras defender Luan conceded the spot-kick that allowed Kai Havertz to convert the penalty and complete Chelsea’s clean sweep of major global club trophies.
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We’ve won it all. ? pic.twitter.com/rE5k5yV6RM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 12, 2022
The final at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium took a while to come to life. Chelsea, which lost 2012’s final to Brazilian side Corinthians, were clearly the dominant side and took the lead in the 55th minute when Romelu Lukaku powered in a header.
Hudson-Odoi played a brilliant cross down the left flank, Lukaku climbed highest and headed the ball with real power. It was a classic Lukaku goal.
Few minutes later, Lakaku sets up Christian Pulisic, but the American forward’s effort went wide. After the goal, Palmeiras changed their plans and started the push forward for the equaliser and leveled the score in the 64th minute. It was a long throw-in into the box from the Brazilian side and the ball struck Silva’s hand while trying to head the ball clear.
The central defender’s hand was high and in an unnatural position, the referee checked at the side screen and a penalty was given. Veiga stepped up and converted the spot-kick to make the score 1-1 and the 16,000 Palmeiras fans inside the stadium erupted in joy.
Despite conceding the goal, Chelsea looked in control and continued to attack, but Palmeiras defended pretty well to take the game to extra time. Chelsea continued their domination in extra time but a penalty shootout loomed until Luan’s raised arm was struck by Cesar Azpilicueta’s volley from close range and after a VAR check referee Chris Beath went to check the pitch-side monitor.
Referee returned to point to the penalty spot. Havertz kept his calm to slot home past Palmeiras keeper Weverton and into the net. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who was in attendance after missing the semi-final because of a positive COVID-19 test, has now earned Chelsea the European and world club crowns.
“It never stops. We want to keep on winning trophies,” Tuchel said in a pitch-side interview before his team were given their medals by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“In the end if you score late you need luck to do it but we were relentless and we did not stop trying.”
