Chelsea progress to the final of the Club World Cup in impressive fashion as they beat Monterrey 3-1 in the semi final.
Chelsea started the much better side – and had an early chance just two minutes when Juan Mata was presented with a chance. The shot was easily blocked though – and Fernando Torres had no chance of directing his header towards goal.
David Luiz switched his usual centre half role to a holding midfield role – something that Chelsea fans had been calling out for some time now. The Brazilian looked impressive and flamboyant sitting beside John Obi Mikel – and was a key factor behind Chelsea's attacking prowess.
Chelsea eventually took the lead on the 18th minute through Spaniard Juan Mata. Oscar fed Ashley Cole with a sublime back heel – the left back eventually picked out the unmarked Juan Mata just inside the box and the Spaniard perfect guided his shot past Jonathon Orozco for the opening goal.
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Chelsea continued to dominate the first half – but Monterrey showed the English side that they can hold their own and play their own expansive football.
Half time was eventually among us as the first half ended 1-0. A decent start to Chelsea's and Rafa Benitez's venture in to the Club World Cup.
The second half saw two goals in the space of a minute from Chelsea. The first saw Ashley Cole bombard down the left – he cut the ball back to Fernando Torres who through a massive deflection saw his shot fly past Orozco – leaving the keeper with no chance. Their second goal, just seconds later saw Fernando Torres find Juan Mata with a superb ball with the outside of his right boot – and Mata cut the ball back across goal, and Monterrey defender Chavez ended up putting the ball in the back of his own net.
After the third goal there looked no way back in it for the Mexican side. They looked far too fragile at the back to be able to pour men forward – and get three goals without Chelsea breaking on the counter.
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Frank Lampard came on for David Luiz – and the Brazilian received a standing ovation by the Chelsea faithful. The experienced midfielder looked to steady the ship for Chelsea as they looked to play out the final half hour. The Englishman took the armband from goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The 70th minute mark saw Monterrey begin to attack Chelsea – but the Blues were always looking to break on the counter attack. The Mexican side saw plenty of the ball but the defence of Chelsea, marshalled by Gary Cahill looked strong throughout.
The 73rd minute saw Monterrey's first decent attempt at goal – Chelsea's Gary Cahill pulled off a courageous block to deny the Mexican's their first opportunity. Cahill slide in a saw the ball fly over the bar in the process.
Paulo Ferreira replaced Juan Mata in the 73rd minute to calm things down for Chelsea – as Monterrey began to look dangerous. The Mexicans continued to look dangerous going forward but nothing the Chelsea back four couldn't handle.
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Victor Moses replaced Fernando Torres in the 78th minute. The Spaniard has now got 5 goals in his last 3 games for the Blues, as Benitez looked to bring in some pace and fresh legs to his side.
Monterrey eventually broke down Chelsea and scored a late consolation effort through De Nigris. The forward put the ball past Petr Cech in virtually Monterrey's last attack of the game.
Chelsea have booked there place in the final this Sunday against Brazilian side Corinthians.
Source: DSG
