In a dazzling display of attacking football at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Chelsea secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, thanks to an unforgettable first-half performance from Cole Palmer.

Palmer’s Unstoppable First-Half Heroics

The young English attacking midfielder stole the spotlight in a scintillating double act, scoring twice within eight minutes to put Chelsea in control early. His first effort arrived in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a defensive error by PSG’s Nuno Mendes. Malo Gusto pounced on the loose ball and teed it to Palmer, who confidently placed it just inside the left post.

Eight minutes later, Palmer struck again. Receiving a precise through-ball from Levi Colwill, the 22-year-old feigned a pass to wrong-foot a defender, curled inside, and unleashed a composed low strike into the bottom left corner—doubling Chelsea’s advantage before the 30-minute mark

 

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Cole Palmer Provides Assist for Third Goal

Just before half-time, Palmer added an assist, sprinting down the right flank and linking up with João Pedro, who beat the offside trap before chipping the ball over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to put Chelsea 3-0 up—a stunning first-half performance that left the heavily favoured French side stunned

 

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PSG Collapse Under Pressure

PSG’s chances of a comeback evaporated further in the second half when João Neves was sent off in the 85th minute for pulling the hair of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. Down to ten men, PSG faded completely as Chelsea retained control to see out the match.

Chelsea’s manager executed a near-flawless tactical game plan. The backline, marshalled by Colwill, Cucurella, and Trevoh Chalobah, held firm, limiting PSG to just two shots on target despite dominating possession in the opening 65 minutes. With a disciplined midfield and high-pressing front line, Chelsea suffocated PSG’s fluid attack, preventing stars like Mbappé and Neymar from finding rhythm, as per ESPN

Stadium Electrified by Chelsea Fans

With over 81,000 fans in attendance, mostly backing the Premier League side, the stadium roared in unison at every goal. Observers noted the electric atmosphere and the sense that PSG never truly found their footing.

Chelsea’s emphatic victory over PSG marks the club’s second Club World Cup triumph—a win firmly built on Cole Palmer’s first-half brilliance and relentless team discipline. The talented midfielder reflected as per posts from Fabrizio Romano on X

“People doubted us, they didn’t believe in us… people talk shit about us all season”. “But let me tell you, Enzo Maresca is building something special at this football club”.

“It feels incredible to perform like this in a final. It’s a dream night for me and the club,” Palmer told reporters after the match.

💙❗️ Cole Palmer: “People doubted us, they didn’t believe in us… people talk shit about us all season”.

“But let me tell you, Enzo Maresca is building something special at this football club”. pic.twitter.com/rqYrx0VTYV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025

Looking Ahead: Big Season for Chelsea

Fresh from this global success, Chelsea now shift focus to the upcoming 2025–26 Premier League season, with expectations high and confidence soaring. Coach and fans alike will hope the Club World Cup victory serves as a valuable springboard for domestic and European challenges.