Cole Palmer delivered a world-class performance as Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 to lift the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. The final, played at MetLife Stadium, saw Palmer score twice and assist another to secure the title.
Chelsea Outclass PSG in Club World Cup Final
Chelsea stunned PSG, who came into the game as Champions League winners and heavy favorites. But by halftime, Chelsea led 3-0. Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. He struck again eight minutes later, and set up Joao Pedro for the third before halftime.
PSG, who demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final, found themselves completely overwhelmed by Chelsea’s high-tempo game.
Cole Palmer: The Star of the Show
Palmer lived up to his tournament billing. His face had been plastered on U.S. billboards throughout the event, and he delivered. He scored Chelsea’s first goal after linking up with Malo Gusto, who had beaten Nuno Mendes on the flank.
On the half-hour mark, Palmer made it two. Exploiting PSG’s defensive gap on the left, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner again. Just before halftime, he set up Joao Pedro, who coolly chipped over Donnarumma for the third.
PSG Collapse in Stunning Fashion
Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off a treble-winning season, were outplayed from start to finish. Coach Luis Enrique had no answers for Chelsea’s quick transitions and pressing game. Even a red card for Joao Neves late in the match added insult to injury.
Neves was sent off after a VAR check showed him pulling Marc Cucurella by the hair off the ball.
Chelsea Make History with Club World Cup Triumph
Chelsea now become the first team to win the expanded 32-team Club World Cup. Their campaign also includes winning the UEFA Conference League and finishing fourth in the Premier League. It marks a major turnaround after a turbulent start to the season.
They’ll take home an estimated $125 million in prize money. The achievement sets them up with confidence ahead of the next campaign, even with a short off-season.
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PSG’s Treble Season Ends on a Sour Note
For PSG, the defeat is a bitter ending to what had been a dominant year. After winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Champions League, they had hoped to complete a clean sweep. The defeat won’t overshadow their European title, but it certainly dampens the celebration.
They will regroup before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup in a month’s time.
A Super Bowl-Like Final Atmosphere
The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosted the event in spectacular fashion. A crowd of over 81,000 watched the game live. Donald Trump and Melania Trump were in attendance, adding political glitz to the occasion. With a Manhattan skyline backdrop and a halftime show, the match felt like a Super Bowl hybrid.
First Half Recap: Chelsea Dominate Early
- 10th minute: Palmer nearly scored early, denied only by a sharp save.
- PSG’s Doue missed a clear chance by trying to assist instead of shooting.
- 22nd minute: Palmer scored after Gusto’s shot was blocked and returned.
- 30th minute: Palmer made it two, finishing off a move on the right side.
- 43rd minute: Joao Pedro scored after Palmer found him in space.
PSG’s usually solid defense cracked under pressure. They had conceded just one goal in eight matches before this.
Second Half: Chelsea Maintain Control
PSG never mounted a comeback. Neves came close with a header before halftime, but the second half saw Chelsea in control. Liam Delap almost made it four, and Neves’ late red card summed up PSG’s frustration.
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Chelsea played smart, defended well, and looked more cohesive as a team.
Key Stats
- 🏆 Scoreline: Chelsea 3-0 PSG
- ⚽ Goals: Palmer (2), Joao Pedro (1)
- 🟥 Red Card: Joao Neves (PSG)
- 👥 Attendance: 81,118
- 💰 Chelsea Earnings: Approx. $125 million
Final Thoughts
Palmer leads Chelsea to one of their most iconic wins in recent memory. Their 3-0 victory over PSG in the Club World Cup final marks a major moment in modern football. With rising stars and tactical discipline, Chelsea now look ready for a brighter future on the global stage.
