Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are playing the all-European final of the FIFA Club World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in New York.
What We Know
- These two have faced each other eight times in the past. PSG has won three of those matches, while Chelsea has won two.
- Chelsea has won 13 of its last 15 matches in all competitions.
- PSG has won 10 of its last 11 games, with its only loss coming in the group stage of the FCWC against Botafogo.
- Chelsea has scored in all of their FCWC games.
- PSG has scored four goals thrice in this tournament, and has conceded just once in six games.
Betting Tip: Chelsea - PSG
This is an all-European final with a clear favourite in PSG. Their performances in the tournament and the talent of their squad indicate they are close to yet another title.
Chelsea have been very solid in this tournament as well, and the manager has been able to push the right buttons, but it’s hard to see them overcome the French. Our pick is PSG Win & over 2.5 goals.
- Prediction: PSG Win & over 2.5 goals
- Odds: 2.25
- Stake:6
Chelsea
Chelsea was able to overcome Fluminense’s resistance and advance to the final of the new-look Club World Cup. New Chelsea player João Pedro scored both goals. The Brazilian scored two beautiful finishes.
Chelsea took the lead in the 18th minute and was able to avoid an equaliser thanks to Cucurella and the VAR. Just 10 minutes into the second, they added another goal. The Londoners got an immediate payoff for the tens of millions they spent on João Pedro. The Blues have scored in every single FCWC game, keeping a clean sheet in half of them.
Enzo Maresca noted how successful this seemingly never-ending season has been for his team. He expressed his satisfaction with his players after they managed to win the Conference League, finish fourth in the Premier League, and now come close to winning yet another trophy.
Suspended duo Colwill and Delano are coming back for this match. The Blues have reached the final of the Club World Cup twice in the past, under the competition’s previous format. The last time was in 2021 when they defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in extra time.
Their first time came in 2012, and then they fell 1-0 to Corinthians, marking the last occasion the Club World Cup champion did not originate from Europe.
PSG
It would not be a stretch to say they are a class above anyone else in this competition. PSG demolished Real Madrid (4-0) and are now in the mix for their fourth major title of the year (domestic league, domestic cup, Champions League).
They were already up two goals in the 9th minute, after Ruiz took advantage of a defensive error in the 6th minute, and Dembele took advantage of another in the 9th minute. Ruiz scored again before the half-hour mark, his third of the tournament, to give his team a commanding halftime lead.
It is telling that all three of their first-half goals came in rapid counter-attacking situations, right after high pressing created mistakes and open space. That has been the Paris Saint-Germain playbook for these past 6 months.
Ramos added a fourth in the 87th minute - impressively, this was the third time PSG have scored four goals in this FCWC, keeping a clean sheet in all of them. The French have an incredible 16-1 goal differential, while their only defeat, not just in this competition but in their last 11 games, came in the Botafogo game.
Manager Luis Enrique acknowledged it’s time for the club to continue writing their history, as they reach their first Club World Cup final ever. It will be Enrique’s second Club World Cup final after his appearance and victory back in 2015 with Barcelona. Pacho and Hernandez remain suspended.
