Chelsea a class above as they stroll into Club World Cup final
Concacaf champions Monterrey simply overwhelmed as English giants dictate pace to set up showdown with Corinthians
European champions Chelsea outclassed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 at the Club World Cup in Japan on Thursday to set up a mouthwatering final clash with Brazilian giants Corinthians.
The English Premier League club 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 hoped to become the first Conacaf 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.
"It was a good game, high tempo, good play, great goals and great movement so lots of positives for us," interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez said.
"We knew they were a good team, but we didn't know if they would be a good team against us. The reaction of the team, especially at the start of the second half, was quite good so I'm very pleased with the performance."
Chelsea started the match with the greater intent and Luiz went close to scoring inside the first four minutes, breaking from his unfamiliar defensive midfield position to fire narrowly over the bar from just outside the box.