Cole Palmer delivered a sensational performance as Chelsea triumphed over PSG 3-0 to claim the Club World Cup title at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The young English midfielder scored twice and set up Joao Pedro for the third, showcasing his skill in a match that left the French champions stunned.
Chelsea, who arrived in the U.S. after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, faced a PSG side that had been dominant throughout the season. Despite expectations of a tactical battle, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s strategy proved decisive as his team outplayed PSG from the outset.
The Blues opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when PSG’s Nuno Mendes lost possession to Malo Gusto. Gusto’s initial shot was blocked, but he recovered to find Palmer unmarked in the box. Palmer calmly slotted the ball inside the left post, giving Chelsea the lead.
Palmer doubled the advantage after the cooling break with a moment of brilliance. Receiving a precise pass from Levi Colwill, he weaved past defenders before firing a low shot into the bottom-left corner. Just before halftime, Palmer turned provider, racing up the right flank and delivering a perfect through ball to Joao Pedro. The forward beat the offside trap and chipped the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, making it 3-0.
PSG’s frustrations boiled over in the second half when Joao Neves was shown a red card in the 83rd minute for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. Reduced to 10 men, PSG struggled to mount a comeback, and the match ended with tempers flaring briefly at the final whistle.
“It’s a great feeling,” Palmer said after the match. “Everyone doubted us before the game, but we put on a performance. The gaffer had a great game plan, and I just wanted to repay his trust by scoring goals.”
Chelsea’s high-pressing strategy disrupted PSG’s rhythm, mirroring the approach that Brazilian side Botafogo used to upset PSG in the group stage. The London club’s relentless pressure and tactical discipline left PSG unable to play their usual attacking game.
PSG captain Marquinhos acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “Chelsea were more effective than us. They exploited our weaknesses,” he said. “We need to learn from this and be ready for teams studying our play.”
The victory marks Chelsea’s second Club World Cup title, adding to their 2021 triumph. For PSG, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain on the international stage.
