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Chelsea wipes the smile off PSG's face and takes the world throne

The Club World Cup has a new champion, and it's not who many expected. Enzo Maresca's Chelsea silenced PSG with a performance that will be remembered for years to come: 3-0, two goals from a stellar Cole Palmer and a team that not only won, but wiped the floor with a side that had been ruthlessly scoring goals left, right and centre. Goodbye to Parisian fantasy. Welcome to blue pragmatism.

From the first minute, it was clear that the Londoners came with clear ideas and zero complexes. No waiting around. They came out pressing high, with the ball as their flag and their lines close together, neutralising PSG's engine: their midfield. Palmer, in addition to causing damage up front, helped close down spaces and cover Kvaratskhelia's runs, one of Luis Enrique's most dangerous weapons.

In just half an hour, Chelsea had already set off alarm bells on the opposing bench. In the 21st minute, Palmer found space, lined up with his left foot and fired a shot that Donnarumma failed to save. Eight minutes later, same formula, different angle. A pass from Malo Gusto after a move started from the back and another surgical left-footed shot made it 2-0. PSG couldn't understand what was happening.

And just before half-time, in case it wasn't clear who was in charge, João Pedro took advantage of a gap after a through ball from Palmer himself and calmly finished over the Italian goalkeeper. 3-0. Blow after blow. A blue nightmare for PSG.

The French side's reaction after the break was more about drive than football. Vitinha tried to regain control, Dembélé and Doué looked to break the deadlock, but Chelsea had a wall: Robert Sánchez. The Spanish goalkeeper was an impenetrable barrier. He saved a clear one-on-one with Dembélé and deflected another point-blank shot that could have changed the script.

With the score in their favour and time on their side, the English side took their foot off the gas. They didn't need any more. Maresca brought on fresh legs, while PSG's frustration mounted. João Neves was sent off in a fit of frustration, and Luis Enrique's team ended up falling for the provocation, with more shouting than ideas.

The final scene was almost ironic. Chelsea, Conference League champions just a year ago, lifting the most ambitious trophy in the new Club World Cup format. And PSG, who had just strolled past giants such as Real Madrid and won the Champions League with authority, surrendered to a team with a plan, discipline and a Palmer who played as if the title was made for him.

That's how the tournament ended: with Chelsea earning respect through football and a cool head, and PSG needing to rethink their strategy if they want their fireworks to keep going when the lights are shining brightest.