Chelsea are CHAMPIONS of the WORLD
Chelsea dominate PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final. Maresca’s tactics shine as the Blues lift their second major trophy of the season.
Shortest90
- July 14, 2025
In a stunning culmination to their campaign, Chelsea produced one of the most complete performances of the modern era, dismantling Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to claim the FIFA Club World Cup title. On a sweltering afternoon in New York, the Blues not only lifted the trophy but also announced themselves as a force ready to challenge at the highest level of European and global football.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Against a PSG side heralded as the next dominant dynasty, Chelsea delivered a tactical and psychological masterclass that left no doubt about their trajectory under Enzo Maresca.
A Season Transformed
Chelsea’s 2024/25 season had already been one of revival and quiet rebuilding. After finishing in the Premier League top four and securing a Champions League place — something that had looked unlikely at one stage — the club went on to claim the UEFA Conference League, defeating Real Betis with flair and conviction.
But the crowning moment came in New York. Beating PSG, the tournament favorites, in such dominant fashion elevated Maresca’s men from an emerging project to a side ready to contend for the highest honors. The 3-0 result flattered Paris, if anything, such was Chelsea’s command over the match.
Perfect Tactics, Perfect Execution
What stood out most was Chelsea’s tactical maturity. Maresca, who had faced early skepticism about his suitability for the job, engineered a flawless strategy to counter PSG’s strengths and exploit their vulnerabilities. It was a chess match — and Chelsea played it with icy precision.
In possession, Chelsea were composed and progressive, but it was without the ball that they truly shone. They suffocated PSG’s attacking transitions, dominated one-on-one duels, and continually broke with purpose.
Cole Palmer’s brace — goals in the 22nd and 30th minutes — came as a result of targeted pressing and quick transitions. The third goal, netted by Joao Pedro in the 43rd minute, effectively ended the contest before halftime. Chelsea weren’t just reactive; they were proactive in every phase of play.
Palmer, Pedro, and Individual Brilliance
Cole Palmer once again delivered on the big stage, continuing a remarkable record in finals that now includes scoring in the UEFA Euro U21 final for England. His composure in front of goal and his reading of the game were exceptional — a performance that not only earned him plaudits but also underlined his status as one of Europe’s most promising attacking midfielders.
Joao Pedro, too, was relentless. His goal, created from a breakdown in PSG’s buildup, showcased Chelsea’s pressing triggers working to perfection. Malo Gusto deserves credit for setting the tone early, winning key duels and helping unlock space behind PSG’s aggressive fullbacks, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi.
From front to back, Chelsea functioned as a cohesive unit — and on a night when individual performances mattered, nearly every player in blue stepped up.
Maresca’s Moment
The Club World Cup final was undoubtedly the defining moment of Enzo Maresca’s managerial career so far. Often labeled as a “project manager” due to his links to Pep Guardiola and his development-first philosophy, Maresca’s credentials were tested throughout the season.
At one point, questions surrounded whether the job had come too soon. A rough Premier League patch had some wondering if Chelsea had gambled too early on a coach without top-level managerial experience. But now, having delivered two trophies and a Champions League berth, Maresca has silenced the doubters.
He didn’t just win — he outcoached Luis Enrique. Chelsea looked like the better-drilled, more prepared team in every department.
PSG: Exposed at Last?
For PSG, this was a sobering experience. After emphatically dispatching European giants such as Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid on their route to the final, expectations were sky-high. Many were already placing Luis Enrique’s side among the greats — comparisons with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona were already surfacing.
But Chelsea ripped that narrative apart.
What stood out was PSG’s inability to handle defensive transitions. Their signature high fullback system, with Mendes and Hakimi pushing into midfield, left enormous gaps that Chelsea exploited again and again. While PSG have typically controlled those spaces with smart positional play and overloads, Maresca’s Chelsea countered with precision and numerical superiority in transition.
The absence of Willian Pacho proved to be a major miss. Often underappreciated, the defender’s composure and spatial awareness were sorely lacking in his absence, and PSG paid the price.
Sour End to a Stellar PSG Season
To make matters worse for PSG, the match ended with unsavory scenes — red cards, poor challenges, and an overall lack of discipline. A frustrated Joan Ne saw red after a reckless tackle, while several players got involved in unnecessary confrontations. It was an undignified end to what had otherwise been a fantastic campaign for the Parisians.
Luis Enrique will have to reflect deeply. While the loss itself may not be catastrophic, the manner of it — and the emotional collapse that followed — speaks to a vulnerability that had not been exposed all season.
Will other teams now study this final to find a blueprint against PSG? Likely. Maresca has shown that, with the right setup, even the most fluid and fearsome sides can be neutralized.
Looking Ahead: Chelsea’s Premier League Ambitions
If this was Chelsea’s coronation, what comes next?
With two trophies in hand, a Champions League place secured, and a young squad increasingly aligned with Maresca’s positional principles, Chelsea look ready to push the Premier League’s elite. After spending heavily over the last two years, the pieces are finally falling into place.
Enzo Fernández’s evolution in midfield, Reece James’s transition into a more central role, and Palmer’s rise have all helped shift the club’s internal culture. Tactical clarity has replaced chaos.
Suddenly, a club once seen as directionless is brimming with identity — and the confidence that comes from outplaying the best team in the world on the biggest stage.
Final Whistle
Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over PSG will go down not only as one of the club’s great nights but also as a symbolic changing of the guard. This wasn’t just about a trophy — it was about showing that Chelsea are no longer a rebuilding side, but one ready to contend for the game’s biggest prizes again.
The message was clear in New York: Chelsea are back. And this time, they might just be here to stay.
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