
PSG Leads Club World Cup: Who Can Challenge Their Dominance?
Following their Champions League title, PSG is favored to win the Club World Cup. But which teams stand a chance against them?
PSG will face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals after a 2-0 win against Bayern Munich. The French champions scored through Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, even after finishing the game with nine players due to red cards for Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. Meanwhile, Bayern’s Jamal Musiala suffered a horrific injury and had to be substituted due to a collision with PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite the uproar during the match, PSG advanced but will miss Pacho and Hernandez for the semifinal. This raises questions on who could potentially dethrone them in their quest for the title. Here are the contenders:
4. BVB
The German team is set to clash with Real Madrid next and depending on the outcome, they could face PSG later in the tournament. Coached by Niko Kovac, they face a daunting task but have potential with the return of Jobe Bellingham from suspension.
3. Fluminense
A surprising force in the tournament, Fluminense has taken down both Inter and Al-Hilal. They will meet Chelsea in the semifinals and could confront PSG in the final. The total defensive display so far gives them a fighting chance against PSG’s attack.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea earned a semifinal place with a dramatic 2-1 victory, thanks to an own goal from Palmeiras and a strong performance from Cole Palmer. However, stealing a win against PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, will be tough despite their talent.
1. Real Madrid
The Spanish team, managed by Xabi Alonso, stands as PSG’s biggest challenge. If they overcome Borussia Dortmund, they will directly face PSG. The spotlight will be on French star Kylian Mbappe, who just returned to the squad after recovering from gastroenteritis, as they vie for another trophy before the season’s end.