🏆 Club World Cup Semifinals: Chelsea and PSG Dominate to Reach Final – Top 5 Transfer Updates
Meta Description: Chelsea and PSG delivered dominant wins in the Club World Cup Semifinals. Explore full match breakdowns and top 5 summer transfer moves shaking the football world.
📋 Table of Contents
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Chelsea vs Fluminense – João Pedro’s Dream Debut
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PSG Smash Real Madrid in One-Sided Semifinal
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Tactical Insights & Key Stats
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Top 5 Summer 2025 Football Transfers
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What’s Next: Final Preview
🔵 Chelsea vs Fluminense – João Pedro’s Dream Debut
The first of the Club World Cup semifinals saw Chelsea defeat Fluminense 2–0 at MetLife Stadium, with a standout performance from new signing João Pedro.
Pedro, making his debut after a £60m move from Brighton, scored both goals and was named Man of the Match. His impact was immediate, scoring in the 18th and 56th minutes. Chelsea dominated possession, held a 12–4 shot advantage, and never looked threatened.
Despite internal tension on the pitch (Cole Palmer clashed with Nicolas Jackson over a missed pass), Maresca’s squad looked well-drilled and composed. Fluminense, although disappointed, earned admiration for their tactical discipline and underdog journey.
“He’s exactly what we needed,” said Maresca of João Pedro.
“I’ve never felt more at home on a pitch,” the forward told reporters.
🇫🇷 PSG Smash Real Madrid in One-Sided Semifinal
PSG crushed Real Madrid 4–0 in what many expected to be a closely fought battle. Instead, the Parisians controlled the game from start to finish:
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6’: Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring.
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9’: Ousmane Dembélé doubled it, exposing Madrid’s disjointed backline.
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24’: Ruiz bagged a brace, stunning Madrid’s midfield.
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87’: Gonçalo Ramos finished the rout.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso took full responsibility, admitting the tactical experiment to use Valverde at right-back backfired. Madrid failed to register a single shot on target until late in the second half.
“This defeat marks a new chapter. We will rebuild,” Alonso stated post-match.
📊 Tactical Insights & Key Stats
Chelsea vs Fluminense
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Possession: 61% – 39% (Chelsea)
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Pass Accuracy: 91% – 84%
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Key Players: João Pedro (2 goals), Moisés Caicedo (3 interceptions), Thiago Silva (7 clearances)
PSG vs Real Madrid
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Shots: 14 – 6 (PSG)
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xG: 3.21 – 0.48
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Key Players: Fabián Ruiz (2 goals), Dembélé (1 goal, 1 assist), Kvaratskhelia (4 chances created)
🔁 Top 5 Summer 2025 Football Transfers So Far
1. João Pedro to Chelsea (£60m)
Already paid off in full. Two goals in his debut and a spark in Chelsea’s forward line.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG (€75m)
Signed from Napoli, the Georgian winger is already influencing matches with dribbling and creativity.
3. Neymar to Santos
The Brazilian legend has returned home in a nostalgic move that doubles as a World Cup 2026 tune-up.
4. Rodrygo to Bayern Munich (pending)
Reports indicate Bayern are closing in on the Real Madrid winger after their semifinal exit.
5. Luka Modrić to AC Milan
Modrić’s emotional goodbye to Madrid has led to a one-year deal with Milan, reinforcing their midfield depth.
🔜 What’s Next: The Club World Cup Final
The final of the Club World Cup semifinals story is now set:
⚔️ Chelsea vs PSG
🗓️ Sunday, July 13
📍 MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
📺 Available on DAZN and local broadcasters
Key Matchups to Watch:
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João Pedro vs Beraldo (PSG CB)
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Kvaratskhelia vs Malo Gusto
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Enzo Fernández vs Vitinha
Predicted Starting XIs:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Palmer, Nkunku, Sterling; João Pedro
PSG (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Lee Kang-In; Dembélé, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
✅ Final Thoughts
The Club World Cup semifinals delivered two bold statements. Chelsea’s youth and control; PSG’s flair and depth. With the final now set, fans can expect one of the most anticipated club matches of the year.