Chelsea 'knew how to exploit' PSG's weaknesses as Marquinhos explains how PSG were overpowered in shock Club World Cup final

Chelsea delivered a stunning performance to defeat PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final on Sunday. Cole Palmer was the star of the show with two first-half goals and an assist for Joao Pedro, putting the game out of PSG's reach before half-time. It was a dominant, calculated display from Enzo Maresca’s side, who capitalised on defensive lapses and controlled the match physically and tactically. PSG captain Marquinhos admitted as much after the final whistle, praising Chelsea’s game plan and acknowledging the gap in execution. “They knew how to exploit the spaces and mistakes we made,” he insisted during the post-game press conference.

Despite the crushing defeat, PSG’s 2024-25 campaign remains historic. Under head coach Luis Enrique, they secured a domestic treble: Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions, as well as their first-ever Champions League title. Captain Marquinhos was quick to credit Chelsea for their clinical and composed performance, highlighting the Blues’ physical dominance and early goals as decisive factors in the final.

The notion that Chelsea knew exactly where to hurt PSG was best exemplified in the third goal, Joao Pedro drifting into space after Palmer’s delicate touch created the opening. It was a move that underlined how well Maresca’s side had studied their opponents, turning PSG’s few vulnerabilities into match-defining moments.

Speaking post-match, the Brazilian international put the loss into perspective, saying: “It's not just winning that makes you do a good job. I'm very proud of the team. What we did this season is something we've never done before. In 13 years in Paris, I've never experienced emotions like this or competed for titles like this. Of course, we wanted to take home the trophy, but it doesn't erase anything we did."

Marquinhos also acknowledged Chelsea’s superiority on the night, crediting their ruthless execution and physical intensity: "I think Chelsea were more effective than us. They knew how to exploit the spaces and mistakes we made. Effectiveness in a final is everything. They managed to score three goals early in the game, completely changing the game. I think they were physically better in terms of impact."

PSG’s players will return from a short break to prepare for a season where expectations will be sky-high once again, especially with the Champions League title to defend. For Chelsea, the Club World Cup triumph caps a thrilling end to a mixed season. The focus now shifts to squad rebuilding, with Palmer’s status elevated and Maresca’s system seemingly clicking.