By Aidan Leo
A resurgent Chelsea face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13.
Both sides have shown clinical edge throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a high-stakes, hard-fought final.
The two sides looked poised and assured in their semi-finals, a reflection of the growth they’ve shown throughout the tournament.
Semi-final stories
New signing João Pedro shone on his full debut for Chelsea in their semi-final win over Fluminense.
The dynamic, versatile former Brighton forward scored twice with outrageous finishes: a long-range curler, and a composed, assertive strike into the roof of the net after cutting in off the left wing and beating multiple defenders in the box.
“I think it was a dream first start,” the Blues striker told DAZN. “I don’t think it could have been better. Two goals, now we have to think about the final. I’m very happy.”
Left-back Marc Cucurella, along with the composed midfield duo of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, also impressed throughout the match.
Speaking on what impressed him about the performance, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Everything, to be honest. It is a great achievement. It has been a fantastic season, top four in the league, Conference League, now in the final in this competition.”
“We are so, so, so happy.
“We know that we need to go game by game. Now it is finally the last game of the season, we can say that. And hopefully we can win the tournament.”
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Los Blancos annihilated
PSG thoroughly dispatched an erratic Real Madrid side in a semi-final that ultimately proved far less competitive than initially expected.
Star midfielder Fabian Ruiz netted twice, with forwards Ousmane Dembele and Gonçalo Ramos adding to the woes of a sub-par Real Madrid side.
“It was an incredible game, a perfect performance, especially considering the heat,” Ruiz told DAZN.
“It was a brilliant performance against a really top team and we’re so happy we’ve gone through.
“I’m happy with the goals but mostly I’m just happy about the win. Now we just need to celebrate – we’re through to the final.”
PSG boss Luis Enrique spoke on how pleased he is with his side’s performance, while also making a case for premier striker Dembele to be in Ballon d’Or contention.
“It’s difficult to play those kinds of matches against Real Madrid. I think we started the game very good and we’re happy with the performance,” Enrique said.
“We are in a special season, a special moment and I think we deserved to win.”
On Dembele, Enrique said: “He deserves to win everything because he gave everything to the team and the team is going to achieve trophies, which is the most important thing for a club.”
Dembele has scored 35 goals in all competitions this season.
Final anticipation
PSG will aim to cap a successful season with a confident win over Chelsea in the final.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will reflect on the tournament as an early test ahead of their off-season and will be eager to finish on a high note with a strong performance.
Although PSG are favourites, Chelsea are well-positioned to challenge Enrique’s side without resorting to reckless play.
The Blues have the quality to win, but PSG have soared throughout the tournament and will be aiming to continue that momentum to firmly establish themselves as the world’s best team.
PSG and Chelsea face off in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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Hazel Camba 
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