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Palmer unstoppable with two goals and an assist. Trump handed out the medals. Final also marred by a scuffle involving Luis Enrique
In the temple of American football, transformed for one night into the world capital of soccer, Chelsea were crowned Club World Champions after a stunning 3-0 victory over heavy favorites Paris Saint-Germain. A memorable evening at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, in front of nearly 80,000 spectators, packed with spectacle, politics, and a heated finale.
Stars in the Stands and an All-American Show
The Chelsea vs PSG final had all the makings of a global spectacle. Stealing the spotlight in the stands—as reported three days ago by ilNewyorkese and SMIT—was United States President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania. He received a thunderous ovation just before the pre-match musical show. Trump, who later awarded the medals to the players on the field, watched the entire match from a VIP box filled with prominent figures from the soccer world, including Galliani, Shevchenko, Del Piero, Matuidi, Chiellini, Ancelotti, and Ronaldo Nazário.
The night kicked off with a high-emotion duet by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini ahead of the U.S. national anthem. Halftime featured a Super Bowl-style Halftime Show, with performances by J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Coldplay, lighting up the MetLife with a spectacle of music, fireworks, and lights.
Total Blues Dominance on the Pitch
Against all odds, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea dominated the final with a flawless performance. The Blues ended the first half up 3-0 and managed the second half with maturity, allowing very little to a PSG side that looked nothing like itself.
The match came to life immediately. After a high-energy start from the English side, Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a perfectly placed left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Palmer struck again in the 30th minute, weaving through defenders with a dazzling solo run before beating Donnarumma with the same precision.
The third goal came in the 43rd minute: this time Palmer turned provider, threading a perfect pass for Joao Pedro, who finished with a delightful chip over the keeper.
In the second half, PSG tried to respond and nearly scored through Dembélé, but Chelsea keeper Sanchez was alert to the danger. The Blues remained in control, threatening on the counter and coming close to adding a fourth. In the 84th minute, Joao Neves was shown a red card for an off-the-ball foul on Cucurella, effectively ending any remaining Parisian hopes.
Match Summary
CHELSEA–PSG 3–0
Scorers: 22’, 30’ Palmer (C), 43’ Joao Pedro (C)
Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez (60’ Andrey Santos); Palmer, Pedro Neto (76’ Nkunku), Joao Pedro (66’ Delap); James (78’ Dewsbury-Hall).
Coach: Enzo Maresca
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi (73’ Zaire-Emery), Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz (73’ Mayulu); Doué (73’ Ramos), Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia (57’ Barcola).
Coach: Luis Enrique
Booked: Neto, Caicedo, Malo Gusto, Colwill (C); Nuno Mendes (P)
Sent off: Joao Neves (P, 84’)
Post-Match Brawl: Tensions Boil Over
The match ended with a heated confrontation that involved both teams’ technical areas. The spark came from what PSG perceived as a provocative celebration by Joao Pedro. An irate Luis Enrique pushed the Chelsea forward, triggering a scuffle that involved Donnarumma, several players, and staff members from both sides.
Maresca managed to restore order, firmly calling his players back. TV cameras caught a telling exchange from the Italian coach to Donnarumma: “You’ve won everything this year, Gigio…” A line that helped defuse the situation. The teams eventually dispersed, and Chelsea were finally able to celebrate in peace.
Voices from the Final
At full time, Enzo Maresca rightly savored the triumph:
“I have no words for my guys. We won this in the first ten minutes. We were intense, disciplined, and relentless in the press. To win such an important trophy against a powerhouse like PSG fills us with pride.”
MVP Cole Palmer reflected:
“I love finals. I found the right spaces and was precise in my finishing. It’s all thanks to the work we’re doing with Maresca—he’s teaching us so much. We’re young, but we’re hungry.”
A more subdued Luis Enrique offered a public apology:
“There was a lot of tension, and I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. It was a situation that could have been avoided. If I’m sanctioned, I’ll accept it. Tactically, Chelsea put us in trouble from the very start.”
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