Monterrey 1 Chelsea 3: ‘Positive’ display delights Rafael Benitez
Monterrey 1 Chelsea 3: Rafael Benítez was thrilled with his side's display as the Blues book their place in Club World Cup final
Rafael Benítez reflected on a “positive” performance after watching his Chelsea side book their place in the Fifa Club World Cup final with a comfortable victory over Mexican side Monterrey.
Juan Mata gave the Blues the lead in the 17th minute before Fernando Torres doubled the Londoners’ advantage with his fifth goal in three games. A Darvin Chavez own goal made it 3-0 and Aldo de Nigris netted a stoppage-time consolation.
Chelsea will now play Brazilian side Corinthians for the title after they beat Al Ahly of Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final.
“It was good play – a high tempo, great goals and great movement, and a lot of positives for us against a team that are well-organised,” said the Chelsea boss. “I am not happy with the goal we conceded because these little things can make a difference in a final.”
The Spaniard also explained his decision to deploy defender David Luiz in midfield for the clash in Yokohama.
“The main idea for playing David Luiz there was for this game because Monterrey are good between the lines where they like to play little penetrating passes. They have the left winger going inside a lot so we wanted more players in this area.
“I know David Luiz well when he was at Benfica and played centre-back, right-back, left-back or defensive midfield and he can regain a lot of balls and at the same time he can play the ball. He can win it in the air and has fresh legs.
“It was mainly for this game but it is always an option for the future.”
