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Zsolt Low insisted the Club World Cup is “very important” and hailed Chelsea’s “big leader” after they narrowly edged past Al Hilal on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

Romelu Lukaku’s gift-wrapped goal proved enough for Chelsea to overcome a resolute Al Hilal 1-0 and reach the Club World Cup final. Lukaku spurned a clutch of fine openings but could not miss when presented with Yasir Alshahrani’s unwitting deflection just yards from goal.

The 28-year-old lashed home to end a five-match goal drought and book the Blues’ spot in Saturday’s final against Palmeiras.

Chelsea will understandably cite jet lag and their hectic schedule for an off-kilter showing, and boss Thomas Tuchel’s continued absence due to Covid isolation doubtless also carries weight.

Assistants Arno Michels and Low oversaw the win, but they had Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for the clean sheet. The Spain stopper pulled off two vital, high-class saves in another assured performance at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Low said: “We worked very hard. We missed a bit of freedom and rhythm. We started a little nervous, it was not easy.

“But we fought hard for it to find a solution. My opinion is the solution was there but we didn’t find it easily.

“We missed a bit of rhythm in this game but we fought hard to get the result and reach the final. This competition is very important for the club.

“The players felt the pressure and that’s why we failed to find the easy solution and score goals. The players did well. We didn’t concede and had a lot of opportunities to score a second.”

Low said Tuchel spoke to the players at half-time.

“First of all we talked to Thomas at half-time and had a good conversation. He had the same feeling that we were a little nervous and had a lot of easy ball losses,” added Low.

Chelsea expect ‘hard’ final

“We talked about telling the guys to calm down, find the rhythm and not fight so hard for hard solutions. We had a good conversation.

“After the game we’ve not spoken yet. Maybe a bit later we can talk to each other.

“Palmeiras is a very, very big team with a good European coach. We expect a very hard game in the final with a lot of spectators from Brazil.

“Like today it will feel like an away game. That makes things more difficult but we’re ready to play the final. We’re here to win it.

Asked about Lukaku, who started in attack, he said: Everyone’s very happy he scored. He fought very hard and tried hard in the last game.

“That’s why we give him the chance all the team. We hoped for a bit of luck to score today.

“He’s very happy, we’re very happy and hope he continues and scores in the final.

“Kai had a good training week so that’s why we decided to let him play. He did his job very good, he had some dangerous situations and worked hard to close down spaces. He had a good game.”

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Mateo Kovacic ‘never stopped running’

“Kova has a big experience. He played a lot of big games in his careers. He’s important on the pitch and outside it.

“He brought everything today. He never stopped running, stopped fighting and always tried to find the solution for his team-mates.

“We’re very happy to have Kova in this group. He’s a big leader,” added Low, via Football London.

Asked about Kepa, Low added: “He was very important. In the cup he did a big performance to save the penalty.

“Today when we needed him he was there and made one big shape. He’s in very good shape.

“He plays and trains well. We’re lucky to have him. In the next days we have to decide who plays the final. We’re waiting for Thomas’ opinion and the goalkeeping coaches before we take the decision for the final.”

READ MORE: Granovskaia gamble successful, as Chelsea stay explained for star never wanted by old boss

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