The group stages saw both of these European giants defeated by Brazilian teams, yet they powered through their respective knockout rounds to reach this prestigious event on the outskirts of New York City.
Led by semi-final star Joao Pedro, Chelsea launched an early assault that nearly yielded a goal when Palmer’s shot in the eighth minute deflected slightly wide. Lucas Beraldo.
PSG countered by taking advantage of their rivals’ defensive weaknesses, and only a last-minute interception by Marc Cucurella prevented Désiré Doué’s pass from reaching an unmarked Achraf Hakimi.
However Enzo Maresca had a clear strategy, and PSG were unable to cope with the relentless pressure from the Blues.
Like a cinematic hero rising to the occasion, Palmer devastated the opposition and thrilled the Chelsea fans with two exquisite finishes within eight minutes, first tapping in from Malo Gusto’s assist, followed by a dazzling second goal from a twisting solo run.
Appropriately for a match introduced by Michael Buffer, the reigning European champions appeared dazed after conceding the second goal.
When Palmer set Joao Pedro free to skillfully chip a third goal over Gianluigi Donnarumma, it seemed that Les Parisiens’ dominance over Premier League teams – demonstrated by their UEFA Champions League (UCL) eliminations of Liverpool and Arsenal earlier this year – was finally coming to a swift and decisive conclusion.
PSG’s chances of a comeback early in the second half were nearly single-handedly thwarted by their opposing goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez made fantastic reflex saves to deny attempts from Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, while Donnarumma also performed admirably to fend off a powerful shot from substitute Liam Delap.
Frustration inevitably mounted in Enrique’s dugout, as Chelsea’s aggression and determination in the attacking third neutralized anything PSG attempted, culminating in a final setback with six minutes remaining when João Neves received a straight red card for tugging on Cucurella’s distinctive hair.
Having secured the UEFA Conference League in May – their first trophy since they last lifted the CWC in 2021 – Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea continues to reap rewards with another piece of silverware in rapid succession.
They also walk away with over £90 million in prize money, while PSG misses the chance to become the first team sinceBarcelona in 2015 to win the CWC, UCL, and complete the domestic league and cup double.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
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