In a stunning turn of events at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Chelsea Football Club dominated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to secure a 3-0 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup final. Cole Palmer delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice and providing an assist, leading Chelsea to an unexpected triumph over the heavily favored European champions.
The match, held on July 13, 2025, saw Chelsea, enter as underdogs against a PSG side that had been virtually unstoppable. However, from the kickoff, Chelsea displayed a level of intensity and tactical awareness that disrupted PSG's rhythm. The first 20 minutes were relatively even, but Chelsea's strong start hinted at their determination.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when a long ball deflected off PSG's fullback Nuno Mendes, falling into the path of Malo Gusto. Gusto quickly passed to Palmer, who with a cultured left-foot strike from the top of the box, curled the ball into the bottom corner, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead. Palmer struck again just eight minutes later, extending Chelsea's lead to 2-0. This time, Palmer created the opportunity himself, showcasing his skill and composure. Before halftime, Palmer assisted Joao Pedro, who scored with a chip over the PSG goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, making it 3-0.
Chelsea's defense, led by Robert Sanchez, remained resolute, thwarting PSG's attempts to narrow the deficit. Sanchez made several crucial saves, denying PSG's forwards, including a notable save from Ousmane Dembele in the 53rd minute. PSG's frustration culminated in a late red card for Joao Neves, who was sent off for pulling Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella's hair in the 85th minute.
Cole Palmer's performance earned him widespread acclaim. His two goals and an assist highlighted his importance to Chelsea's attack. Joao Pedro also had a strong performance, scoring a goal and contributing to Chelsea's attacking threat.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Chelsea, securing their first FIFA Club World Cup title in the expanded format of the tournament. The win is a testament to their resilience and tactical execution, as they overcame the odds to defeat a formidable PSG side.
