Chelsea fans can sing that they are Champions of Europe, and Champions of the World after beating Palmeiras 2-1 this weekend in the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a tight final in Abu Dhabi, Romelu Lukaku give Chelsea the lead but Raphael Veiga equalized through a penalty kick for the Brazilian giants.
Havertz Chelsea won it in extra time when Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot hit the outstretched arm of Luan Garcia, and a penalty kick was given after the referee once again used the VAR monitors.
Kai Havertz stepped up and slotted home superbly to win the Club World Cup for Chelsea and give Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich his 21st major trophy.
One of the stars of Chelsea’s win was American Christian Pulisic, who came on a substitute after Mason Mount went off injured. It’s been an up and down 12 months for Pulisic as he has struggled to find consistent form for Chelsea and the US Men’s National Team.
From a trophy standpoint though it has been extremely rewarding as in the last 12 months he has now won the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League. The first American soccer player to do that.
Speaking to Channel 4 after the match, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel gave his verdict on the victory:
“In the end, if you score late you need luck. We were relentless, we were trying. We did not stop. We took the effort, did not give in, had the lead and lost it. We never stopped attacking, it’s deserved but lucky.
“As boys we dreamed to have finals like this, very special. We wanted to play with no regrets.”
