Chelsea set up Corinthians showdown

European champions Chelsea outclassed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 at the Club World Cup in Japan on Thursday to set up a mouth-watering final clash with Brazilian giants Corinthians.

The English Premier League club, debuting at the intercontinental tournament, dominated large spells of the first half and had the match sewn up shortly into the second – scoring two goals within three minutes of the restart.

Monterrey were bidding to become the first CONCACAF champions to reach a Club World Cup final, but the strength of Chelsea’s David Luiz in midfield, coupled with the trickery of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard proved too much for the Mexicans.

“It was a good game for us,” Chelsea coach Rafa Benitez said.

“We had good tempo, good play and a lot of possibilities for us. I am pleased with the performance of our team.”

Early attack

Chelsea started the match with the greater intent and Luiz went close to scoring inside the first four minutes, breaking from his defensive midfield position to fire narrowly over the bar from just outside the box.

Eden Hazard missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring two minutes later. Luiz played a precision pass which split the Monterrey defence but the Belgian pushed the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Chelsea had their breakthrough on 17 minutes with a beautifully worked goal that was expertly finished by Mata.

Midfielder Oscar played a back heel to Ashley Cole on the edge of the penalty box. The left-back then squared it to the Spaniard who took a touch before smashing it past Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.

Monterrey’s only clear-cut chance in the first 45 came shortly afterwards when striker Aldo De Nigris headed over the bar from close range.

Any hopes the Mexicans had for a second-half comeback were dashed after just 15 seconds of the restart, Fernando Torres grabbing a deflected goal from inside the box with much of the 36,648 crowd yet to return to their seats.

The match was over as a contest on the 48-minute-mark when Darvin Chavez put the ball into his own net to make it 3-0.

A rout appeared to be on the cards at the 68,000-capacity International Stadium in Yokohama but Victor Vucetich’s side steadied the ship and scored a consolation goal through De Nigris in injury time.

“We regret that we lost the way we did,” Vuctich said.

“There was a short time where we lost our concentration.”

Chelsea will play Copa Libertadores winners Corinthians in the final in Yokohama on Sunday. Earlier that day Monterrey will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in a play-off for third place.