Both teams may have encountered delays on their way to MetLife Stadium, yet it took Paris Saint-Germain only six minutes to score, leading to a 4-0 triumph against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals, showcasing their dominance over the club that once featured Kylian Mbappe.
Both teams suffered from missing regular starters due to suspensions, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was rested after experiencing tightness during training. PSG initiated the scoring through Fabian Ruiz and consistently capitalized on Real Madrid’s errors, securing a matchup with Chelsea in the final, which is scheduled for Sunday at 3 PM ET.
After recently winning their inaugural Champions League title, PSG is now on the brink of claiming their first Club World Cup title as well. Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, the club has thrived since Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid. Even the return of their record goal scorer could not hinder their impressive form.
Following Ruiz’s breakthrough goal, Ousmane Dembele continued his Ballon d’Or campaign by robbing Antonio Rudiger of the ball and scoring with ease, before Ruiz doubled his tally within just 24 minutes of the match. Despite their travel issues, Xabi Alonso’s squad struggled to find rhythm, having landed late prior to the game.
Quotes
“Back-to-back mistakes from Madrid and PSG are loving it! 😱 Dembele makes it 2-0 after Rudiger slips up. The Parisians are flying! 🔴🔵” — DAZN Football
Mbappe made his initial start of the tournament alongside young Gonzalo Garcia, yet Real Madrid’s transition to a defensive back four prevented them from competing effectively during the match. PSG’s stellar performance this season is a testament to the culture developed by Enrique, which emphasizes team unity over star power.
With their history of stars like Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, PSG have evolved soured experiences in the past and now strive for victory against Chelsea on Sunday. For Alonso, this marks his first loss as Real Madrid’s manager; nevertheless, it’s a crucial learning period as they identify their team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Madrid has performed better with a back three during this competition, allowing players like Francisco Garcia and Alexander-Arnold to adopt attacking roles. However, should they maintain this setup, adjustments will be necessary, particularly as they find no space for Rodrygo. With Luka Modric’s potential departure, Madrid faces a pivotal transformation, starkly aware of the gap they must bridge to challenge PSG.
