European heavyweights Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will face off for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title following their commanding victories in the semi-final clashes.
In the first semi-final at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea produced a professional display to beat Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0. New signing João Pedro starred against his former club, scoring both goals to lead the Blues into the title clash. His opener came in the 18th minute after a neat build-up, and he doubled the lead in the second half with a composed finish.
Chelsea controlled proceedings through the midfield axis of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo and never let Fluminense gain momentum. A brief on-field disagreement between Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson over a missed opportunity was quickly brushed aside, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men kept their shape and composure to see the match through.
PSG humble Real Madrid
In the second semi-final, PSG ran riot against an understrength Real Madrid side, registering a dominant 4-0 win. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored a first-half brace to put the Parisians in control, while Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos added to the tally in the second half.
Luis Enrique’s side overwhelmed Madrid with relentless pressing and incisive passing, exposing the Spanish side’s defensive frailties. Xabi Alonso, in his first season as Real Madrid head coach, admitted after the match that the result was a tough but valuable learning experience for his young squad.
