PSG is having a historic season, sweeping all domestic titles, including Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup, and winning their first Champions League title. Opta gives PSG the edge in the FIFA Club World Cup final, with a 64.4% chance of winning and a 42.2% chance of deciding the match within 90 minutes.
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Manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 8/7/2025. Photo: Chelsea FC |
Manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 8/7/2025. Photo: Chelsea FC
Maresca acknowledges PSG as the best club in the world right now and the favorites for the title. However, the Italian manager is confident Chelsea can cause an upset against Luis Enrique's team.
"I enjoy playing and watching chess," Maresca said during a training session on 11/7. "I see football as similar to a chess match. When your opponent makes a move, you have to react. I think this match will be like a chess game. PSG is a top club in Europe and the world, but every game is different. We will try to play a great match."
Maresca also mentioned earlier surprises in the tournament, including Fluminense's victory over Inter, the 2024-2025 Champions League runners-up, Al Hilal's defeat of Man City in the round of 16, and PSG's unexpected loss to Brazilian side Botafogo in the group stage.
"Chelsea's style differs from Botafogo's," Maresca stated. "We have the utmost respect for them. I enjoy watching PSG play, but we're here to give our best and win the championship. We have our own approach to the game and won't change anything."
Maresca confirmed Noni Madueke will miss the final to complete a 70 million USD transfer to Arsenal. The two sides have reached an agreement, and the English midfielder will undergo a medical examination this weekend. "Madueke decided to leave. No one told him he had to. If Madueke is happy, we are happy for him," Maresca said.
Chelsea and PSG have faced each other eight times in the Champions League, with Chelsea winning two, drawing three, and losing three. In their two most recent encounters in the round of 16 of the 2015-2016 Champions League, "The Blues" lost both matches with a score of 1-2.
Hong Duy (ESPN)
