In a surprising tactical display at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea lifted the expanded Club World Cup trophy by defeating Paris Saint-Germain, the team widely tipped for glory. The narrative of this final was not one of PSG dictating terms with their famed high-octane attack, but rather Chelsea expertly turning their opponents` strengths against them, delivering a performance that mirrored PSG`s own dominant style in crucial moments.
Paris Saint-Germain had carved out a fearsome reputation in recent months, particularly after their UEFA Champions League triumph and a convincing Club World Cup semi-final win against Real Madrid. Their approach was characterized by an intense, all-action style – quick pressing, seizing wide spaces, and often deciding games within the first half. They were, by many accounts, the most entertaining and effective side in Europe.
However, Sunday`s final saw Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, adopt this very blueprint. From the opening whistle, the London side applied suffocating pressure. “We pressed the life out of them,” stated Chelsea`s Levi Colwill after the match, reflecting on a team mindset focused on leaving nothing on the field in their final game of the season. This aggressive approach yielded immediate results.
While both teams typically prefer to control possession, Chelsea strategically ceded the ball, finishing with just 34%. Their focus was elsewhere: disrupting PSG`s rhythm high up the pitch and being ruthlessly efficient when attacking. The strategy paid dividends quickly. Cole Palmer, rapidly becoming the Blues` talisman, netted a brace, demonstrating his knack for decisive moments. His strikes, combined with a goal from the recently acquired Joao Pedro, saw Chelsea race to a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime.
This rapid succession of goals, delivered with PSG`s characteristic early intensity, visibly affected the Parisian side. Fatigue seemed to set in quicker than anticipated, players fading as the game slipped away. Frustration mounted, culminating in Joao Neves` late red card and a post-match altercation involving PSG manager Luis Enrique and Joao Pedro – an unusual unraveling for a team accustomed to being in control.
Maresca explained his tactical rationale: facing a team with as much individual talent as PSG means you either press them high or you risk being overwhelmed if they find space and time on the ball. The plan was “man to man,” aiming to be highly aggressive, particularly in the initial phase of the match. While sustaining such intensity for 90 minutes is challenging, especially given the weather conditions, Chelsea`s decisive early push effectively sealed the outcome.
The manager also highlighted a specific tactical exploit, noting PSG`s midfield setup allowed Chelsea to target certain spaces. By overloading one side, utilizing players like Palmer and Malo Gusto, they created opportunities that proved crucial.
Beyond Palmer`s predictable excellence, the performance of Joao Pedro was a significant positive. Having only joined Chelsea less than two weeks prior from Brighton, he quickly integrated, scoring his third goal in as many games for the club and earning a starting spot in the final. Maresca praised the forward`s versatility and, specifically, his effectiveness against compact defenses, noting his skill “in tight spaces.”
For Chelsea, a club that has undergone considerable structural change and roster churn under the BlueCo ownership, this Club World Cup victory offers a moment of clarity and validation. Amidst the often-discussed chaos of squad building, the team delivered a performance that showcased the potential of their core group of rising talents and demonstrated that, when the tactical plan aligns perfectly, they are capable of beating the world`s best at their own game.
Manager Maresca acknowledged the importance of the win, stating it affirmed they were heading in the “right direction.” However, after 15 months non-stop, his immediate focus post-match was pragmatic: “fortunately, I have three weeks` vacation now… and then we`ll see what happens next season.” A well-deserved break indeed, after turning the football world`s expectations quite literally on their head.
