ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- Romelu Lukaku had to come to the desert to end his goal drought. The 28-year-old's first goal in a month was enough to ensure Chelsea beat Al Hilal by a score of 1-0 and book their place in Saturday's Club World Cup final against Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Wednesday's opponents here in Abu Dhabi could hardly have made it any easier for him: defender Yasser Al-Shahrani headed Kai Havertz's improvised 32nd-minute cross straight to Lukaku in a central position six yards out and the Belgium international steered home a low finish for his ninth goal of the season.