The first FIFA Club World Cup with a new format ended in an absolutely surprising and happy way for Chelsea fans. The Blues were able to turn all of PSG's favoritism into confidence, betting on a different tactical formation and dominating throughout the 90 minutes.
Chelsea were extremely effective and didn't allow Luis Enrique's side to try and find the balance. Much criticized by the fans, Enzo Maresca was perfect to go for Reece James as a starter and an extra man in midfield.
It took a while for the first goal to come, but in the 22nd minute, Nuno Mendes failed and Malo Gosto dominated possession until he set up Cole Palmer, who sent the ball into the corner and gave the experienced goalkeeper Donnarumma no chance of saving it. More confident after opening the scoring, the Blues extended their lead with a splendid individual move from Cold Palmer, the top scorer who scored the second goal leaving all his markers behind on the right flank.
Leaving players like Vitinha, Hakimi, Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia completely neutralized throughout the match, Chelsea definitively wrapped up their victory in the 43rd minute when Cole Palmer took off down the right and gave a perfect pass for João Pedro to receive in the box and hit a low drive past goalkeeper Donnarumma.
PSG tried to be more aggressive during the second half and Vitinha began to have spaces on the left to try and pick out Doué and Dembélé frequently, but the pressure from Luis Enrique's side weakened as time went on and the Blues came close to extending the lead through counter-attacks.
Group stage defeat increased Chelsea's concentration
The defeat to Flamengo in the group stage was a determining factor in the Blues' change of behavior for the rest of the Club World Cup, with a much more focused team ready to meet their coach's tactical demands. As well as the huge prize, closing the 2024/25 season with a world trophy was well worth it.