By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 14, 2025 02:14 AM • 130 views
In a night where underdogs turned titans, Cole Palmer orchestrated a footballing symphony under the floodlights of MetLife Stadium, as Chelsea ran riot over a shell-shocked Paris Saint-Germain with a clinical 3-0 demolition to lift the revamped Club World Cup on Sunday. The English playmaker, only 22 and brimming with poise and purpose, scored twice and assisted João Pedro in a first-half blitz that dismantled a PSG side many had tipped for glory. On a stage built for stars, Palmer burned brightest — not just with flair, but with ferocity. It was a tactical masterpiece authored by Enzo Maresca, who turned a pre-match "game of chess" prediction into a ruthless checkmate of Luis Enrique's PSG — a team that had conceded just once in their previous eight outings.
Palmer Lights Up the MetLife
Chelsea's opener came in the 22nd minute, courtesy of an error by Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese fullback, usually so composed, gifted possession to Malo Gusto. His blocked effort rebounded kindly, and Gusto turned provider, squaring to an unmarked Palmer who coolly slotted into the corner. Minutes later, after the scheduled 30th-minute cooling break, Palmer elevated the game. Latching onto Levi Colwill's incisive pass, he danced inside, sold a dummy that sent a defender flying, and curled a sublime finish into the far corner — a goal of devastating class and calm. He wasn't done. The 38th minute saw him burst down the channel, draw defenders toward him, and slip in João Pedro. The Brazilian forward stayed just onside and lifted a delicate chip over the advancing Donnarumma. 3-0. Game over before halftime.
Tactical Brilliance and PSG's Meltdown
Maresca's blueprint borrowed elements from Botafogo's shock group-stage win over PSG — high pressing early, then a disciplined low block to frustrate. The plan worked to perfection. Palmer roamed freely in pockets of space, while Gusto and Pedro sliced open PSG's usually impenetrable left side. It wasn't just tactical — it was psychological. PSG's swagger quickly turned to desperation. Their only clear-cut chance came early, with Desire Doue failing to convert. From there, Chelsea never relinquished control. The frustration boiled over late when João Neves was shown red in the 83rd minute for a moment of madness, pulling Marc Cucurella's hair in an off-the-ball tussle. After the final whistle, tempers flared, but Chelsea's bench sprinted to join a euphoric huddle in front of their travelling supporters.
Palmer: "Everyone Doubted Us"
"It's a great feeling. Even better because everyone doubted us before the game," said Palmer, who was named Man of the Match. "The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where the space was going to be. He tried to free me up as much as possible, and I just had to repay him and score some goals." It was a humble yet pointed statement — an acknowledgement that Chelsea's status as Conference League winners had masked their growing cohesion under Maresca. The win serves as both a signature performance and a statement of intent heading into the new season.
Marquinhos: "They Exposed Our Weakness"
For PSG, the night was a sobering reality check. Chelsea were more effective than we were. Tactically, they caused us problems in the first half and we took a while to react," admitted PSG captain Marquinhos. "I think all teams will now study us closely. It's up to us to always be at the top of our game."
