Fathers FM
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning performance at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, sweeping aside Real Madrid 4-0 to book their place in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
The semi-final was effectively over within 24 minutes as PSG’s pace, precision, and pressing overwhelmed the Spanish giants. Fabian Ruiz capitalized on a defensive blunder in the sixth minute to open the scoring after referee advantage played on from a Thibaut Courtois foul on Ousmane Dembélé.
Three minutes later, French winger Dembélé made it 2-0 with a calm finish after Antonio Rudiger’s mis-kick gifted him possession. Dembélé was again involved as Achraf Hakimi’s intricate give-and-go opened the door for Ruiz to slot in his second and PSG’s third.
Real Madrid, missing key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold through injury, had no response. The dominance was capped off late in the match when Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth, rounding off another electric PSG display.
💬 Main Talking Point
PSG’s transformation since the departure of Kylian Mbappé has been remarkable. Ironically, the French superstar was on the pitch—this time in the white of Real Madrid—as he watched his former team dismantle his new club.
Despite Mbappé contributing 48 goals and assists for Real in the 2024-25 season, the Spanish side ended the campaign trophyless. PSG, meanwhile, are chasing their fourth title of the year—fifth if you count France’s equivalent of the Community Shield.
Luis Enrique’s men have proven unstoppable in recent months, with this latest rout adding to emphatic wins over Inter Milan (5-0), Atletico Madrid (4-0), and Bayern Munich (2-0, despite being reduced to nine men).
🌟 Players Who Stood Out
- Ousmane Dembélé (Player of the Match, #10) – Instrumental in PSG’s blistering start with a goal and two key involvements.
- Fabian Ruiz – Scored twice and dictated midfield play with authority.
- Achraf Hakimi – Dominant at right-back, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity.
💤 Who Didn’t Impress (on PSG’s side)
While nearly every PSG player was at their best, some felt the midfield trio behind Ruiz didn’t receive enough spotlight despite being tactically brilliant. However, no clear underperformers emerged in what was a near-perfect team effort.
📊 Key Stats
- PSG have won their last five knockout games across all competitions by a combined scoreline of 18-0.
- Real Madrid conceded three goals in the first 25 minutes of a match for the first time since 2003.
- Luka Modric made his 597th and final appearance for Real Madrid, receiving a standing ovation as he bids farewell to join AC Milan.
🏆 What’s Next
PSG will face Chelsea in Sunday’s final, also held in New Jersey. They will then kick off the 2025-26 season with a UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham on 13 August.
For Real Madrid, the next scheduled fixture is their La Liga opener against Osasuna on 19 August, though the club is seeking a postponement for additional rest.
Final Word:
Paris Saint-Germain’s dismantling of Real Madrid sends a clear message ahead of the final: this is a team reborn, more ruthless and united than ever—even without their former talisman, Kylian Mbappé.
