Paris Saint-Germain delivered a statement performance on Wednesday night as they thrashed Real Madrid 4–0 in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup. With unrelenting pace and precision, the French champions outclassed the 14-time European kings from start to finish, securing their first-ever appearance in a Club World Cup final.
PSG Strikes Early and Stuns Madrid
Right from kickoff, PSG took control of the match and never let go. In just the sixth minute, Fabián Ruiz fired the opening goal, calmly finishing off a brilliant attacking move that left Madrid’s defense scrambling. Immediately after, the French side continued to press high and forced another costly mistake.
By the ninth minute, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead. He intercepted a loose pass, sprinted past defenders, and unleashed a thunderous strike into the net, leaving Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin rooted to the spot. The early two-goal lead completely unsettled Real Madrid and handed PSG the momentum.
Ruiz Adds a Third, Madrid Fails to Respond
Refusing to slow down, PSG piled on more pressure. In the 24th minute, Ruiz struck again. This time, Achraf Hakimi provided a clever assist, slicing through Madrid’s backline before laying the ball off to Ruiz, who smashed it home to make it 3–0.
Real Madrid, known for their comebacks, looked helpless. Their attack lacked rhythm, and PSG’s midfield trio of Vitinha, Ruiz, and Manuel Ugarte dominated every duel. Star players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior struggled to find any space as PSG kept them tightly marked.
PSG Controls Second Half, Ramos Finishes the Job
After halftime, PSG switched gears and focused on controlling possession. They slowed the tempo, kept the ball moving, and denied Madrid any real opportunity to mount a comeback. While the Spanish side showed some urgency, PSG’s defense stood firm.
Then in the 87th minute, Gonçalo Ramos, who came on as a substitute, put the final nail in Madrid’s coffin. He latched onto a pinpoint pass, sprinted clear of his marker, and coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to seal a 4–0 victory. The goal sparked wild celebrations on the PSG bench as the French side secured a historic result.
History Made as PSG Reaches Their First Club World Cup Final
With this emphatic win, PSG wrote a new chapter in their club’s history. They reached their first FIFA Club World Cup final in style, showcasing their tactical discipline, attacking flair, and newfound maturity under manager Luis Enrique.
Ruiz’s brace, Dembélé’s explosiveness, and Hakimi’s dynamic play highlighted a complete team performance. Every player contributed, from Gianluigi Donnarumma’s calm goalkeeping to Lucas Hernández’s rock-solid defending.
Chelsea Awaits in the Final Battle
Now, PSG turns its attention to Chelsea. The Premier League giants earned their place in the final after a hard-fought semi-final win. The stage is set for a mouthwatering clash between two European powerhouses, both aiming to lift the Club World Cup trophy for the first time.
Chelsea’s structured approach and physicality will clash with PSG’s pace, creativity, and attacking depth. With both clubs desperate to claim global glory, the final promises a thrilling contest.
Madrid Left Searching for Answers
Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup quickly. This heavy defeat exposed several weaknesses, especially in defense and midfield. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will now face intense scrutiny after watching his side fail to compete against PSG’s aggressive tactics.
Madrid entered the tournament as favorites, yet they failed to match PSG’s energy, intensity, or desire. The loss will sting deeply, especially for a club accustomed to success on the biggest stages.
PSG Sends a Message to the Football World
By dismantling Real Madrid, PSG sent a powerful message to the football world—they are no longer chasing glory; they are ready to seize it. The team’s chemistry, confidence, and killer instinct stood out, and now they sit just one win away from their first major global title.
As the final approaches, PSG carries all the momentum. With Chelsea standing in their way, the French champions must now rise to the occasion once more. If their semi-final performance is any indication, they are more than ready.
