Two European Champions Compete for Global Football Supremacy

The first expanded edition of the Club World Cup concludes after a month of competition in the United States, featuring two European champions now vying for the official throne of world football. Despite more challenges than initially expected, thanks to the notable performances of Brazilian competitors and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, the Old Continent ultimately imposed its dominance with two of its most in-form representatives this season.

On one side is PSG, which under Luis Enrique's guidance, finally translated its iron-fisted dominance in French football to the coveted Champions League. The Parisian team is currently the best in the world, thanks to the detailed tactical work of the Asturian coach and a transfer policy that shifted from acquiring well-established names to signing promising talents who have thrived at the Parc des Princes.

With the Champions League, Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup already secured, PSG aims to complete an unprecedented quintet of trophies in one of the most brilliant campaigns in European football history. Their strengths are clear: Donnarumma's best form since the 2021 Euros, full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, the leadership of Marquinhos despite the absence of the suspended Pacho, a midfield orchestrated by Vitinha, and the unstoppable form of Fabián Ruiz. Finally, a forward trio featuring the explosive talent of Doué, the electrifying Kvaratskhelia, and possibly Dembélé's final step towards the Ballon d'Or.

Many individual talents, but most importantly, all serve a collective mechanism that, in aspects like off-ball movement, constant position swapping, and relentless pressing, currently has no equal.

Only another team with a continental title this season stands between the perfect campaign and the European crown. Chelsea secured the Conference League trophy a month and a half ago, a minor prize for one of the Premier League's great clubs, but nonetheless a symbol that the 'blue' ship is back on course under captain Enzo Maresca. The Italian has instilled a necessary identity in the 'blue' team, which had endured several tumultuous seasons following their second Champions League title in 2021.

The Stamford Bridge side returns to the top continental competition next season, the natural place for a project with significant financial capacity. Generous investment and high-profile signings have not been lacking, but only Maresca's arrival has given them a recognizable style, with wing play, a midfield combining Enzo Fernández's leadership and Moisés Caicedo's dynamism, and above all, a differential piece between the lines in Cole Palmer, Chelsea's most decisive player due to his quality.

Joao Pedro, who defeated his former team Fluminense in the semi-finals, is the latest addition to the London side during the Club World Cup, providing a final argument in their favor after recovering from a setback against Flamengo in the group stage and making an almost flawless run through the knockout rounds.

Chelsea overcame Benfica in the round of 16, followed by Palmeiras and Fluminense, worthy representatives of the high level of Brazilian teams in the Club World Cup. This remarkable performance has been one of the highlights of the first tournament of its kind, with scheduling, the Europeans' difficulty in performing at a high level due to the calendar, and the American public's interest as shadows of a model still in its infancy with many aspects to improve.

Chelsea: Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Chillwell, Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Nkunku, and Joao Pedro.

PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia.

Referee: Alireza Faghani (Australia).

Stadium: MetLife Stadium (New Jersey).

Time and TV: 21:00 h. Telecinco and DAZN.