Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ultimately stumbled at the final hurdle. Although considered the favorite, the French capital’s club lost to Chelsea (3-0) in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This defeat prevented PSG from capturing the coveted fifth trophy and expanding their dominance to the global stage, after already making history with their quadruple (UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and TrophĆ©e des Champions).
The European champions were unrecognizable as they collapsed against a formidable London side. The London team dominated from the outset and led 3-0 at halftime. Cole Palmer scored twice (in the 22nd and 30th minutes) and assisted JoĆ£o Pedro (in the 43rd minute) on a goal. Palmer capitalized on rare lapses in the PSG’s defense. It was a match to forget for PSG, especially PSG’s head coach Luis Enrique, who clashed with Pedro after the final whistle amid post-match tensions on the pitch.
Against Chelsea, the Parisians looked tired after a seemingly endless season, in which they played 65 matches, including 17 in the Champions League. On Sunday night, the contrast was stark between PSG’s lack of freshness and the energy the Blues expended to press the Parisian players and prevent them from building their play. It was as if Chelsea had turned PSG’s own game against them, suffocating them with relentless activity, a tactic PSG had so often used themselves.
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