Two Offensive Styles Face Off in New Jersey

Paris Saint-Germain, led by Luis Enrique, are just 90 minutes away from completing a historic season. After lifting the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League trophies, the French club will now try to win its first-ever Club World Cup, facing a rejuvenated Chelsea side in Sunday’s final.

Both teams embrace a possession-based, high-pressing, vertical style of play. “This won’t be an easy match or a formality,” warned Luis Enrique in the pre-match press conference, acknowledging the challenge posed by Chelsea, a team that has grown stronger throughout the tournament.

The match is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where fans will witness a clash between two elite squads managed by offensive-minded coaches: Luis Enrique and Enzo Maresca.

PSG Favorites Despite Absences, Chelsea on the Rise

PSG have only suffered one loss in the tournament (0-1 against Botafogo), but have since shown dominant form, eliminating top sides like Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. With attacking talent such as Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, the Parisians have overwhelmed opponents with pace and precision.

In midfield, Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves have built strong chemistry, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are in top physical and tactical shape. However, PSG will be without suspended defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández.

On the other hand, Chelsea had a shaky start in the group stage (a 3-1 loss to Flamengo), but have improved steadily. They knocked out Benfica, beat Palmeiras, and cruised past Fluminense in the semifinals. Their defense has stood tall with the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, and Marc Cucurella.

In the middle, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández have provided balance and intensity, while Cole Palmer adds creativity up front. The newly emerged striker Joao Pedro has impressed fans with his scoring instinct and decisive finishing.

Chelsea are monitoring Caicedo’s fitness after he twisted his ankle late in the match against Flamengo. The Blues aim to claim their third Club World Cup title, following triumphs in 2012-2013 and 2021-2022.

For PSG, this final is a golden opportunity to cement their global dominance. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to confirm their return to the top of world football.