Chelsea dominate PSG to claim Club World Cup glory

On a sunny afternoon at the MetLife Stadium with over 80,000 in attendance, Chelsea satisfied their taste for success by winning the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. They recorded a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

It was the culmination of a tournament that often had attention focused on organisational issues, low attendances and fatigue concerns.

To call this a shock result is considered an understatement by many. PSG are the current Champions League holders, winning it in dominant fashion and had since recorded comprehensive wins over Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid en route to the final.

Tempers flared at full-time, with both teams involved in scuffles

Chelsea didn’t face opposition as illustrious, but certainly through no fault of their own. They faced Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense on their way to the final. As such, PSG were heavy favourites to lift the new trophy.

But the Blues had other plans. They started out confidently, aiming to catch the Parisians off guard. An early effort from Cole Palmer gave PSG warning, but it wasn’t to be heeded, as the Englishman later opened the score with a low, well placed finish in the bottom-left corner.

Palmer extended Chelsea’s lead with an almost identical goal not long after, and then he would turn provider for new Chelsea signing João Pedro, who cleverly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to mark a dominant half for Chelsea.

The second half was not as eventful, but Chelsea wouldn’t care, as they held firm to deny PSG. Robert Sánchez was excellent in goal, and the clean sheet a testament to his effort.

If the match wasn’t already over, it would be after PSG midfielder João Neves was shown a straight red card towards the end of the game for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella.

Tempers flared at full-time, with both teams involved in scuffles that demonstrated the emotional investment many critics said teams would lack during the tournament.

Chelsea’s midfield and defence were also stellar

Chelsea’s players again showed up when they needed to. Another final, another fantastic performance in particular from Cole Palmer, who had been criticised for his lack of goals and assists earlier in the season. He will certainly be happy with his recent contributions.

João Pedro must also be loving life at Chelsea. Joining the team mid-tournament (and during his holiday), he has made an instant impact. His goal in the final means that he has scored three times in two starts for the club, a return that he will only want to build on.

Chelsea’s midfield and defence were also stellar – Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez controlled their Parisian counterparts for much of the game, and the back line did incredibly well to keep out the team that put four past Real Madrid, and five against Inter Milan.

Chelsea have become the first ever winners of the Club World Cup

Speaking to club media after the game, head coach Enzo Maresca expressed admiration and joy for his players. “It’s been a fantastic season, but I’m especially happy for the players. One year ago, when I joined the club I said that I was in love with this squad and it was true.”

“But talent is not enough – you need sacrifice, you need togetherness, you need a game plan where all the players think in the same way. So, it’s just because of them.”

US President Donald Trump handed the trophy and medals to Chelsea, and while he remained on the stage for the trophy lift to the confusion of many (including Cole Palmer), it certainly did not overshadow the celebrations.

Now adding to their Conference League triumph, Chelsea have become the first ever winners of the Club World Cup – which is officially recognised by FIFA, who have also renamed the previous version as the Intercontinental Cup. It will surely be an honour the London side will look back on with pride.

Questions are now being asked about Chelsea’s readiness as title contenders – they have shown that they can beat the best in the world, but will this team be able to consistently perform in the Premier League, up against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal?

What can be said is that the signs are positive for Chelsea, and their young, fearless core of players will no doubt take the challenge on and strive for more success.