Chelsea stun PSG to clinch Club World Cup title

Chelsea claimed their second FIFA Club World Cup title after Cole Palmer inspired them to a 3-0 win over 10-man Paris Saint-Germain.

Palmer scored twice and set up the other goal for Joao Pedro, as The Blues cruised to a commanding victory against the recently crowned UEFA Champions League winners, who had Joao Neves sent off late on at MetLife Stadium.

The England midfielder had shot wide with the first opportunity of the final after just eight minutes.

Meanwhile, PSG saw a great chance go begging at the other end when Desire Doue’s attempted square ball for Achraf Hakimi was blocked by Marc Cucurella, with the forward arguably too unselfish for his own good.

Chelsea capitalised on the let off to break through midway through the first half. Malo Gusto embarked on a strong run before checking back and teeing up Palmer, who slid a precise side-footed effort beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Palmer doubled his and The Blues’ tally in almost identical fashion eight minutes later. Leading the charge from the right flank, he cleverly worked space to shoot, before guiding another low shot into the far corner.

He then turned provider just before half-time, driving into the space before slipping the ball into the area for Joao Pedro to lift over Donnarumma.

PSG appeared rejuvenated after the break. Ousmane Dembele was brilliantly denied from close range by Robert Sanchez, who also tipped wide Vitinha’s effort from distance.

Substitute Liam Delap went close with a curling 25-yard effort at the other end, which Donnarumma did well to push away.

Meanwhile, PSG were unable to find a way back into the contest and their misery was compounded four minutes from time, when Joao Neves was dismissed for violent conduct after tugging Cucurella’s hair.