In the early morning of February 10, Beijing time, the semi-final of the 2022 Club World Cup, Chelsea played against Riyadh Crescent. In the first half, Romelu Lukaku scored, Havertz hit the post, and in the second half Kepa made multiple saves for the savior. In the end, Riyadh Lost 1-0 to Chelsea on the New Moon, regrettably missing the final.
Riyadh Crescent won the AFC Champions League for the fourth time last November and reached the Club World Cup for the second time in its history. In the quarter-finals, Riyadh Beat Abu Dhabi 6-1 on the New Moon to advance to the final four again after three years.
Facing Chelsea in this campaign, Riyadh Crescent did not passively get beaten, but played back and forth with the Champions League champions. The data shows that Riyadh Crescent also has close to 50% possession, creating a total of 12 shots on goal, only 3 fewer than Chelsea, 3-5 on target, and 3-9 in corners!
In the 32nd minute, the deadlock was broken, Havertz used his personal ability to force a low cross, Riyadh Crescent Defender's clearance mistake turned into a oolong assist, and Lukaku easily pumped into the net, 1-0!
Interestingly, although Lukaku scored the only goal of the game, his performance can only be said to be quite average, only 24 touches, 2 shots, 2 attempts and all failed, and more worryingly, he has won 3 times, 4 ground confrontations have not been successful, and 9 times lost the ball, only 7.1 points. The Club World Cup official also awarded the MVP of this match to Kovacic.
In fact, Riyadh Crescent originally had plenty of chances to equalize. In the 63rd minute Mateus Pereira sent a straight pass and Marega's one-handed push was blocked by Kepa.
In the 68th minute, Marega's reverse triangle cross from the right was blocked, and after he got the ball, he knocked it back again, and Muhammad Kanu fired a high-quality long-range shot outside the box, and it was Kepa who flew to save.
It can be said that if it were not for Kepa's bravery, riyadh crescent moon might have had the opportunity to explode.
Losing the Club World Cup semi-final means that Riyadh Crescent misses the final title battle and misses at least $4 million in Club World Cup prize money.
With Chelsea and Palmeiras meeting in the final, the Club World Cup will produce a new champions team, and the 22-year record is born.
However, Riyadh Crescent can also compete in three or four finals against The African champion team Cairo Nationals. Two years ago, Riyadh Crescent finished 4th, and if it beats the Cairo Nationals this time, it will create the team's best record in the Club World Cup.