Cole Palmer lit up the MetLife Stadium with a dazzling first-half display to guide Chelsea to a commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain and secure their first-ever Club World Cup title.
In a final billed as a clash of European giants, it was Chelsea who played with authority. Palmer, just 23, scored two and assisted another as Enzo Maresca’s side tore through the French champions. His composure and creativity silenced a PSG team many expected to dominate.
The opener came in the 22nd minute. Nuno Mendes lost the ball deep in his own half and Malo Gusto pounced. Palmer swept home from the cut-back with ice in his veins.
Minutes later, Palmer doubled the lead. He latched onto a perfect pass from Levi Colwill, feinted past a defender and slotted into the bottom corner. His pass for Joao Pedro just before half-time put the game out of reach.
Pedro timed his run to perfection. He lifted the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma with a delicate chip. The Brazilian’s celebration said it all Chelsea were cruising.
PSG had no answer. They missed early chances through Joao Neves and Desire Doue, then watched their composure unravel. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia forced a smart save from Robert Sanchez, but Chelsea stayed solid.
The frustration boiled over late on. Neves was sent off after pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. A brief VAR check confirmed the offence.
Then came an ugly flashpoint post-match. Luis Enrique appeared to strike Joao Pedro as tempers flared. Presnel Kimpembe had to separate the pair.
The match drew 81,118 fans, the largest crowd of the tournament. Among them were FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump.
Chelsea’s win capped a dream run under Maresca. The squad will return to London about £90 million richer and with a new piece of silverware and Palmer’s star burning brighter than ever.
