History was made as Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in a captivating final to become the first-ever champions of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Match Recap
Chelsea struck early with a well-placed finish by Cole Palmer in the 18th minute, taking advantage of a shaky PSG defense. Paris responded before halftime through Kylian Mbappé, who capitalized on a counterattack to level the score.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Enzo Fernández delivered a thunderous strike from outside the box, leaving PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with no chance. Chelsea maintained control in the closing minutes and weathered late pressure to secure the historic victory.
Tactical Brilliance
Mauricio Pochettino, facing his former club, orchestrated a disciplined and aggressive performance from Chelsea. The Blues neutralized PSG’s flair and showcased maturity and resilience beyond their years.
Meanwhile, PSG struggled to find cohesion in midfield and were limited to individual moments of brilliance that weren’t enough to turn the tide.
What This Means
This win cements Chelsea’s return to elite status under Pochettino’s guidance. For PSG, the loss once again raises questions about their ability to perform on the biggest stage despite their star-studded lineup.
