Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a stunning performance to dismantle Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. This emphatic victory on the morning of July 10, 2025, secured PSG’s spot in the final against Chelsea, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the quest for the prestigious title.
Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, PSG showcased one of their most dominant displays in recent history, capitalizing on Real Madrid’s defensive frailties and executing a fast-paced, creative attacking game that overwhelmed the European champions. The French giants have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, having already eliminated top-tier teams such as Inter Miami and Bayern Munich, while conceding only a single goal en route to the final.
Real Madrid, coached by Xabi Alonso, entered the semi-final hampered by the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury, a blow that weakened their defensive setup. Their lineup featured a potent attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Gonzalo Garcia, and Vinicius Jr., with Jude Bellingham orchestrating the midfield play. However, the team struggled to find cohesion against a relentless PSG side.
The match’s opening minutes set the tone for what was to come. Just six minutes into the game, a critical error by Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio allowed Ousmane Dembele to steal the ball inside the penalty area. Although Dembele’s initial shot was blocked, Fabian Ruiz was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound, giving PSG an early lead. This goal was a direct result of PSG’s high pressing and quick transitions.
Real’s defensive woes compounded only minutes later. At the ninth minute, Antonio Rudiger’s poor pass was intercepted by Dembele, who made no mistake doubling PSG’s advantage to 2-0. These two early goals exposed a shaky Real Madrid backline, which appeared uncharacteristically disorganized and vulnerable under pressure.
PSG’s momentum continued unabated. In the 24th minute, Achraf Hakimi sprinted down the right flank before delivering a precise cross to Fabian Ruiz. Ruiz skillfully controlled the ball, evading Real’s Federico Valverde, and fired a powerful shot into the net, completing his brace and extending PSG’s lead to 3-0. This marked a historic moment, as Real Madrid conceded three goals within 24 minutes—a rare occurrence for the club in over two decades.
Despite the crushing deficit, Real Madrid struggled to mount any significant offensive threat. Kylian Mbappe, facing his former club, was notably subdued and failed to leave a mark on the game. Vinicius Jr. was even less effective, not registering a single shot before being substituted in the second half. The Spanish giants appeared disoriented and unable to break through PSG’s disciplined defense and the vigilant goalkeeping of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
As the second half unfolded, PSG prudently reduced the game’s tempo but maintained control of the midfield and defensive lines. A potential goal by PSG’s Doue was ruled out for offside, but the visitors’ dominance remained evident. Real Madrid’s attempts to regain footing were consistently thwarted by PSG’s tactical organization and swift counterattacks.
The match’s final flourish came in the 88th minute when substitute Goncalo Ramos capitalized on a creative assist from Bradley Barcola to score PSG’s fourth goal. This goal not only sealed the emphatic victory but also carried emotional weight, as Ramos dedicated his strike to the late Diogo Jota, a fellow Portuguese player recently passed away, highlighting the human side of the competition.
Referee Simon Marciniak opted not to add any injury time in the second half, recognizing the match’s decisive outcome and the players’ exhaustion amid the sweltering 34-degree Celsius heat in New Jersey, conditions that likely affected both teams’ stamina and tempo.
PSG’s triumph marks their second team’s advancement to the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they will face Chelsea, who secured their spot by defeating Fluminense in the other semi-final. The final is scheduled for 2 AM on July 14, 2025, in the United States, promising an electrifying contest between two European heavyweights.
The Parisian club is riding a wave of historic success under Luis Enrique, with the potential to complete a remarkable quintuple by clinching this trophy. Furthermore, PSG could achieve an unprecedented sextuple if they overcome Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup before the start of the 2025/26 season, a feat that would etch their name in football history.
For Real Madrid, this defeat is a bitter setback. The defensive lapses that led to early goals have exposed vulnerabilities that will need urgent addressing. The absence of Alexander-Arnold and the lack of impact from key forwards like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. underscore the challenges the team faces as they regroup for the remainder of the season.
PSG’s lineup for the match featured Donnarumma in goal; defenders Nuno Mendes (replaced by Lee Kang-in in the 79th minute), Beraldo, Marquinhos, and Hakimi; midfielders Fabian Ruiz (substituted by Zaire-Emery at 66 minutes), Vitinha, and Joao Neves; and forwards Kvaratskhelia (replaced by Barcola at 59 minutes), Doue (substituted by Mayulu at 66 minutes), and Dembele (replaced by Goncalo Ramos at 59 minutes).
Real Madrid’s starting eleven included Courtois as goalkeeper; defenders Valverde, Asencio (substituted by Militao at 64 minutes), Rudiger, and Fran Garcia (replaced by Carvajal at 71 minutes); midfielders Tchouameni, Bellingham (substituted by Modric at 64 minutes), and Guler (replaced by Vazquez at 83 minutes); and forwards Mbappe, Gonzalo Garcia, and Vinicius (substituted by Brahim Diaz at 64 minutes).
As the football world looks ahead to the final, PSG’s commanding performance against Real Madrid has sent a clear message: they are a force to be reckoned with, blending tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and team spirit. Chelsea will need to prepare for a formidable opponent eager to claim their first FIFA Club World Cup title.
