Chelsea ran riot against Paris Saint-Germain to win the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Softfootball reported that the Blues claimed a 3–0 victory, thanks to a beautifully taken brace by Cole Palmer, who also assisted Joao Pedro’s goal to seal the win for the English giants.
Palmer, speaking confidently in a pre-match interview, had boldly stated that the team believed they would beat the French side.
Levi Colwill echoed that confidence, and Reece James asserted that Chelsea was going to win. Not only did the players talk the talk, but they also walked the walk, delivering a performance that epitomised the spirit, belief, and identity of the club.
Enzo Maresca’s side dominated the first half with great intensity. In the 8th minute, Cole Palmer almost broke the deadlock as his shot deflected slightly off Lucas Beraldo.
PSG responded almost immediately with a threatening flurry, but a last-ditch interception from Marc Cucurella denied Achraf Hakimi, who was waiting for a clean shot on goal.
It was evident Chelsea had a game plan and part of it was nullifying PSG’s high press. They did so with clever routines that evaded pressure, including having an outfield player take the goal kicks instead of Robert Sánchez.
Cole Palmer was unquestionably Softfootball’s Player of the Match. His composure in finishing two chances coolly highlighted just how technically gifted he is. Palmer looked like a wizard with a wand, dictating play, creating chaos in PSG’s defence, and displaying elite playmaking by threading Joao Pedro through on goal with precision.
Surprisingly, PSG’s big names failed to impress. Chelsea’s counter-pressing game was simply too good. Robert Sánchez played a crucial role in the clean sheet, answering every question PSG’s attack posed with confidence and sharp reflexes.
Despite PSG dominating possession (66% overall, 70% in the first half), it was Chelsea who played with more purpose and direction. The Blues recorded 10 total shots with 5 on target, while PSG managed 8 shots with 6 on target.
Chelsea created three big chances, compared to PSG’s one. The French side won more corners (5 to Chelsea’s 3), but goalkeeper Sánchez was the busier man making six crucial saves. PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, on the other hand, had to pick the ball out of his net three times and made just two saves.
This was a coming-of-age performance for Chelsea Football Club. The victory proves that their rebuild under Maresca is nearing completion. If they can maintain anything close to this level throughout the upcoming season, Chelsea could soon rejoin Europe’s footballing elite.
