The Club World Cup 2025 Grand Final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain promised to be the finishing touch to a tournament that, from the outset, provided thrills, surprises, and memorable performances.
With the best clubs on the planet coming together in an unprecedented competition due to its expanded format, the event did not disappoint and kept fans on the edge of their seats for weeks.
In this context, PSG arrived as the overwhelming favorite, backed by their UEFA Champions League crown and a run that included resounding victories over European giants such as Real Madrid (4-0) and Bayern Munich (2-0), as well as a 4-0 thrashing of Inter Miami in the Round of 16.
On the other side, Chelsea reached the final after a more discreet but effective run. Without having to face top-level European powers, Enzo Maresca’s men advanced solidly, eliminating two Brazilian representatives, Palmeiras and Fluminense, as well as Benfica in the Round of 16.
Although the media favoritism was on the Parisian side, the “Blues” were confident in their experience in decisive instances and in the cohesion of a group that was gaining confidence as the tournament progressed. Everything was set for a final between two different styles, two contrasting histories, and the same goal: to be crowned the best club in the world.
Chelsea Champions of the Club World Cup
In a stunning display of tactical brilliance and individual excellence, Chelsea Football Club etched its name in history by taking the 2025 Club World Cup title. The London side, under the astute guidance of coach Maurizio Maresca, dismantled Paris Saint-Germain in a final that will be remembered for years to come.
Maresca’s tactical masterclass was evident from the first whistle, as Chelsea systematically exploited PSG’s weaknesses and nullified their strengths. The Italian coach’s approach turned the European champions into mere spectators, a far cry from the team that had emphatically defeated Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid earlier in the tournament.
At the heart of Chelsea’s triumph was the mesmerizing performance of Cole Palmer. The young English talent, once considered surplus to requirements at Manchester City, proved his worth on the grandest of stages. Palmer’s two goals and an assist not only justified Chelsea’s substantial investment in him but also showed the club’s eye for nurturing and unlocking potential.
Grand Final Summary
In the grand final against PSG, Cole Palmer tormented the usually solid Nuno Mendes, finding spaces that should not have existed against such a formidable opponent. His first goal was a masterclass in precision, curling the ball beyond Donnarumma’s reach from the edge of the box. The second, a carbon copy of the first, showed his consistency and killer instinct.
But Palmer wasn’t pleased. His vision and selflessness shone through as he set up João Pedro for Chelsea’s third, effectively putting the game out of PSG’s reach before halftime. This hat-trick of contributions, two goals and an assist, cemented Palmer’s status as the standout player of the final.
In the grand spectacle of Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, it is easy to overlook the vital contribution of their Spanish goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. While the strikers grabbed the headlines, Sanchez’s role in orchestrating Chelsea’s play from the back was masterful.
Sanchez’s exceptional ball distribution was a cornerstone of Chelsea’s strategy, consistently finding teammates in advantageous positions and initiating attacking moves with pinpoint accuracy. His ability to read the game and spot passes under pressure allowed Chelsea to evade PSG’s high pressing and maintain control of the tempo.
On the other hand, João Pedro’s seamless integration into the Chelsea team has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite joining the team just a few weeks ago, the Brazilian striker has hit the ground running, forming an almost telepathic connection with his new teammates. His impact was felt immediately in the semi-final clash against Fluminense, where he scored an impressive brace, showcasing his clinical finishing and positional awareness.
In the final against PSG, Pedro again rose to the occasion. His intelligent movement off the ball created space for his teammates, particularly benefiting Cole Palmer.
PSG’s struggles and frustrations
Chelsea’s masterclass left PSG and Luis Enrique searching for answers throughout the match. The Parisian giants, accustomed to dominating their opponents, found themselves uncharacteristically nullified and toothless in attack.
Maresca’s tactical approach turned PSG’s strengths into weaknesses. The high pressing that usually stifles opponents was expertly countered, leaving the French team vulnerable to Chelsea’s quick transitions. PSG’s vaunted attack, with some of the world’s most expensive talent, became impotent against Chelsea’s resolute defensive structure.
As the match progressed and PSG’s frustration grew, the French team’s composure began to crumble. The catalyst for this collapse came in the form of João Neves, whose growing agitation culminated in a moment of madness that would prove costly for his team.
Neves, clearly shaken by Chelsea’s dominance and his inability to impact the game, became embroiled in a series of heated exchanges with Chelsea’s Cucurella. The Spanish defender, known for his tenacious play, seemed to get under Neves’ skin with each passing minute. The tension between the two players grew steadily until it reached a boiling point.
Looking ahead, this win could be the catalyst for a new era of success at Stamford Bridge. The confidence gained from outperforming and outscoring elite opposition on the world stage will undoubtedly boost the team’s aspirations in domestic and European competitions. With a perfect combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talents such as Cole Palmer, Chelsea has laid a solid foundation for sustained success.
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