Chelsea beat Palmeiras 2-1 after extra-time to win the FIFA Club World Cup ©Getty Images

German international Kai Havertz struck a late winner from the penalty spot in extra-time to help English side Chelsea clinch football's FIFA Club World Cup for the first time at the expense of Brazilian outfit Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi.

Chelsea suffered a surprising defeat to a Brazilian side in the final the last time they competed in the Club World Cup when Corinthians triumphed 1-0 in 2012.

Just as they were in their slender semi-final victory over Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Chelsea were frustrated again for much of the evening at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium against a well-organised Palmeiras team.

Having missed their semi-final on Wednesday (February 9), Chelsea's German manager Thomas Tuchel recovered from COVID-19 to fly out to the United Arab Emirates in time for the final, but his presence failed to inspire much in the way of clear-cut chances during a goalless first half.

Semi-final match winner Romelu Lukaku of Belgium powered home a header from English team mate Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross within 10 minutes of the restart to put the UEFA Champions League holders in front.

However, Palmeiras were level midway through the second half when Brazilian midfielder Raphael Veiga sent Édouard Mendy, fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, the wrong way from the penalty spot, after Chelsea's experienced Brazilian defender Thiago Silva had been penalised for handball.

German international Kai Havertz, who scored the only goal of the UEFA Champions League final, struck the winner for Chelsea from the penalty spot ©Getty Images
German international Kai Havertz, who scored the only goal of the UEFA Champions League final, struck the winner for Chelsea from the penalty spot ©Getty Images

The English side dominated possession against the South American champions for the remainder of normal time, but were unable to seriously test Brazil international Weverton in the Palmeiras goal as the game went to extra-time.

With penalties looming, Luan Garcia - an Olympic gold medallist for Brazil on home soil at Rio 2016 - was deemed to have handled in the box, and Havertz converted from 12 yards.

Luan's evening ended in further disappointment when he received a second yellow card for fouling Havertz, who has now been the match winner for his side in the Champions League and Club World Cup final.

European sides have now won the last nine editions of the Club World Cup.

Earlier in the day, African champions Al Ahly of Egypt cruised past Al Hilal 4-0 in the third place playoff at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

Two early goals from Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim had his team in control, with compatriot Ahmed Abdel Kader making it 3-0 on 40 minutes.

Amr El Solia completed the scoring midway through the second half.