An inspired performance from Cole Palmer, who scored twice and provided a brilliant assist, guided Chelsea to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Paris St-Germain on Sunday, securing their first FIFA Club World Cup title under the tournament’s new format.
In front of a tournament-record crowd of 81,118 at MetLife Stadium, Palmer delivered a masterclass against the reigning European champions. He opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, placing a low shot past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after a surging run from Malo Gusto. Just eight minutes later, Palmer scored an almost identical second goal, using a neat dummy to create space before finishing from the edge of the box.
The England international then turned provider just before halftime, threading a defence-splitting pass for new signing Joรฃo Pedro to deftly lob Donnarumma, giving Chelsea a commanding 3-0 lead.
PSG, who had been in formidable form this season, struggled to cope with Chelsea’s intensity. Despite second-half efforts from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele that tested Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, they were unable to find a way back into the game.
The French side’s frustrations boiled over in the 85th minute when midfielder Joao Neves was shown a red card after a VAR check for pulling defender Marc Cucurella’s hair. The match also ended with unsavoury scenes as PSG manager Luis Enrique was involved in a post-match altercation, appearing to slap Chelsea forward Joรฃo Pedro before being pulled away by his own staff. Enrique later stated he was trying to separate players “to avoid a situation getting worse.”
The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca, adding a world title to the UEFA Conference League trophy they won in May. The win also brings significant financial rewards, with their total earnings from the competition reported to be around ยฃ90 million.
For Palmer, the man of the match, it solidifies his status as Chelsea’s talisman. His two goals and an assist in the final were a fitting end to a competition where he was one of the standout players. Joรฃo Pedro also impressed, scoring his third goal in three games since joining the club during the tournament.
Chelsea will now begin a shortened pre-season break before their Premier League campaign opens against Crystal Palace on August 17.
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