In a highly anticipated Club World Cup semifinal, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a performance of sheer dominance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid. This was no ordinary match; it was a clash featuring PSG`s former star, Kylian Mbappe, now lining up against the club he recently departed. The narrative was ripe for drama, but the reality was a stark display of Parisian strength.
Despite both teams reportedly experiencing travel delays impacting their pre-game routines, it was PSG who hit the ground running – or rather, Madrid who seemed unable to find their footing. Just six minutes into the contest, Fabian Ruiz breached the Real Madrid defense, setting the tone for the encounter. From that point, PSG clinically exploited Madrid`s uncharacteristic errors.
Ousmane Dembele further punished the Spanish side, showcasing skill and opportunism by dispossessing Antonio Rudiger and calmly finishing. Ruiz then completed his brace before the 25-minute mark, leaving Xabi Alonso`s side reeling and the scoreline looking ominous. Madrid, attempting to adapt their tactical shape, particularly experimenting with a back four, appeared unsettled and spent large portions of the match chasing shadows.
The sight of Kylian Mbappe playing against a PSG side that looked so cohesive and dominant post-his departure was heavy with irony. While the Frenchman made his first tournament start, he was largely ineffective against a well-drilled Parisian unit. This PSG team, guided by Luis Enrique, has transformed from a collection of high-profile individuals into a formidable system-driven machine. Having recently celebrated their historic first Champions League title, they now stand on the brink of a first Club World Cup, a testament to the culture and structure built since the departure of their celebrated attacking trident.
For Real Madrid, this semifinal defeat serves as a significant, albeit early, setback under Xabi Alonso. It provided a clear, perhaps uncomfortable, assessment of the squad`s current state and tactical flexibility. The match highlighted potential formation weaknesses and the need for refinement in how key attacking players fit into different systems. With squad evolution anticipated, including potential departures of seasoned figures like Luka Modric, this performance underscores the work required to bridge the gap demonstrated by PSG. It`s a harsh lesson, perhaps best learned now during a tournament rather than in critical knockout phases later in the season.
PSG`s authoritative win not only secured their place in the Club World Cup final but also sent a clear message about their current form and capabilities. They will now face Chelsea in the final, aiming to cap off a remarkable period of success by lifting another historic trophy, having navigated the challenge posed by Real Madrid and their former talisman with decisive conviction.
Adrian Whitmore