In a controversial moment at the 38th minute of the second half, João Neves, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder, was sent off with a straight red card after a VAR review for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final, held this Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. The match, still ongoing, sees Chelsea leading 3-0 with goals from Cole Palmer (two) and João Pedro, in a game marked by English intensity and PSG’s struggles. The final, kicking off at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), is broadcast live by TV Globo, sportv, ge, and globoplay, with a large crowd in attendance, including figures like US President Donald Trump. The expulsion sparked heated debates, altering the game’s rhythm.
The clash pits two teams relying on youthful squads but with distinct strategies. Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, dominate with high pressing and quick transitions, while Luis Enrique’s PSG struggles to impose its possession-based style against a robust defense. The match, yet to conclude, continues with tense moments and decisive plays.
The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup final is a milestone, held at the same venue set to host the 2026 World Cup final. The halftime show featuring J Balvin elevates the event to a global stage.
Controversial moment defines crucial point
At the 38th minute of the second half, João Neves, a key figure in PSG’s midfield, committed an unusual foul by pulling Cucurella’s hair. Initially, the referee issued a yellow card, but the VAR review led to a direct red card for the Portuguese player. The incident sparked intense reactions, with PSG fans questioning the decision’s severity, while Chelsea capitalized on the numerical advantage to maintain pressure.
The game, already tilted in Chelsea’s favor, became even more lopsided after the red card. PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Beraldo, struggled to contain Cole Palmer and João Pedro’s advances. Neves’ expulsion, a young Portuguese talent, could prove a turning point in the match.
- Hair pull: João Neves’ action was deemed unsportsmanlike by the referee after VAR review.
- Chelsea’s reaction: The English side intensified their pressure, aiming to extend their lead.
- PSG’s setback: With one player less, the French team lost midfield control.
- VAR debate: The decision reignited discussions about technology in football.
Chelsea’s first-half dominance
Chelsea built their lead in the first half with a flawless performance. Cole Palmer opened the scoring at the 21st minute, following a fine move by Malo Gusto, who broke into the box and set up the number 10 for a precise finish. At the 29th minute, Palmer struck again in a swift counterattack, dribbling past Vitinha and placing the ball in the corner. The third goal came at the 42nd minute, with João Pedro slotting a delicate chip over Donnarumma after a Palmer assist.
Despite boasting stars like Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, PSG managed only two shots in the first half, both saved by Robert Sánchez. Chelsea’s high pressing stifled the French side, who struggled with misplaced passes and a lack of space.
Minute-by-minute: key moments of the match
The final has been marked by intense moments and decisive plays. Below are the main events up to the 41st minute of the second half:
- 21’ 1H: Goal by Cole Palmer! Malo Gusto beats Nuno Mendes and sets up Palmer for a cool finish in the corner.
- 29’ 1H: Palmer again! In a counterattack, the number 10 outmaneuvers Vitinha and scores Chelsea’s second.
- 42’ 1H: Goal by João Pedro! After a Palmer pass, the Brazilian chips Donnarumma with finesse.
- 36’ 2H: Barcola dribbles Gusto and shoots powerfully, but Sánchez makes a great save.
- 38’ 2H: João Neves is sent off after pulling Cucurella’s hair, with the decision confirmed by VAR.
Strategies and standout lineups
Chelsea lined up with Robert Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, and Cucurella; Moisés Caicedo, Reece James, and Enzo Fernández; Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and João Pedro. Coach Enzo Maresca opted for a formation focused on high pressing and quick transitions, leveraging Palmer and João Pedro’s speed.
PSG, fielded by Luis Enrique with Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz; Doué, Kvaratskhelia, and Dembélé, aimed to control possession but struggled against Chelsea’s pressure. Second-half substitutions, like Gonçalo Ramos and Barcola, sought to add attacking impetus.
- Chelsea: High pressing and swift transitions, with Palmer as the standout.
- PSG: Possession-based play but struggling to breach the opposition defense.
- Substitutions: PSG made attacking changes but lost momentum with the red card.
- Standouts: Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and Robert Sánchez (Chelsea) shine in the match.
Final context and expectations
The 2025 Club World Cup, the first with 32 teams, introduces innovations like body cameras for referees, praised by FIFA’s Referees Committee chairman, Pierluigi Collina. Chelsea, winners of the Conference League this season, seek their second world title after defeating Palmeiras in 2021. PSG, champions of the 2024/25 Champions League, aim for their first global trophy.
MetLife Stadium is packed, with notable attendees like Donald Trump, Spike Lee, and Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s national team coach. The halftime show, featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, underscores the event’s global appeal.
Match numbers and statistics
Chelsea lead in shots (8.5 per game compared to PSG’s 7.8) and corners (6.7 vs. 5.2). PSG, however, have fewer yellow cards (0.8 per game vs. Chelsea’s 2.2) but have faced two expulsions in the tournament, compared to Chelsea’s one. Chelsea’s defensive solidity, conceding 64 goals in 63 games this season, contrasts with PSG’s 168 goals scored in 64 matches.
- Shots: Chelsea average 8.5 per game; PSG, 7.8.
- Corners: Chelsea with 6.7; PSG with 5.2.
- Cards: PSG have fewer yellows but more red cards.
- Goals: PSG scored 168 this season; Chelsea, 134.
Chelsea vs PSG history
The two teams have faced off eight times, all in the Champions League, with PSG winning three, Chelsea two, and three draws. Their last meeting, in 2016, saw PSG triumph 2-1. The 2025 final is their first Club World Cup encounter, with Chelsea holding the upper hand so far.
The match remains ongoing, with Chelsea pressing and PSG struggling to respond with one man down. The intensity promises more excitement until the final whistle.