PSG dominate and secure a place in the grand final of the Club World Cup
In the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal, held at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a footballing spectacle by crushing Real Madrid with a resounding 4-0 victory on Wednesday afternoon, July 9. With two goals from Fabián Ruiz, one from Ousmane Dembélé, and another from Gonçalo Ramos, the French giants marched into the Club World Cup final, where they will face Chelsea, who eliminated Fluminense in the other semifinal.
First Half: Total domination and goals in quick succession
Paris Saint-Germain began the game at a furious pace, suffocating Real Madrid from the opening whistle. At the 3rd minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia already threatened with a shot from distance. Shortly after, Fabián Ruiz forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save. In the 6th minute, following a mistake by defender Raúl Asencio, Dembélé recovered the ball near the box, fired a shot, and on the rebound, Fabián Ruiz tapped it into the empty net: 1-0 PSG.
Real Madrid struggled to respond, and in the 9th minute, another defensive error proved fatal. This time, Antonio Rüdiger misplayed a pass while building from the back, and Dembélé punished the mistake with a composed finish into the left corner: 2-0 PSG.
The onslaught didn’t stop. In the 24th minute, after a brilliant attacking run by Achraf Hakimi, who exchanged passes with Dembélé, the ball reached Fabián Ruiz again. He feinted past Asencio and slotted it low into the corner to score his second and PSG’s third: 3-0 PSG.
Real Madrid tried to react through Kylian Mbappé, who had two attempts on goal in the 23rd and 28th minutes, but Gianluigi Donnarumma stood firm. Late in the first half, Kvaratskhelia had a chance to extend the lead but sent it over the bar.
Second Half: Controlled tempo and one final blow
With the match under control, PSG returned for the second half aiming to manage the game. Coach Luis Enrique made strategic substitutions, bringing on Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos in place of Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé. Meanwhile, Real Madrid introduced Luka Modrić, Éder Militão, Brahim Díaz, and Lucas Vázquez, hoping to turn things around.
Despite tactical tweaks, Real Madrid continued to struggle against PSG’s defensive structure. In the 67th minute, Federico Valverde tried from distance but was blocked. In the 84th minute, Éder Militão had the best chance for the Spanish side with a header, but missed the target.
At the 87th minute, came the final blow: after a sharp play down the left by Barcola, he dribbled past Militão and passed to Gonçalo Ramos, who turned and smashed the ball into the top corner, sealing the 4-0 PSG win.
Match Impact in the Competition
With this emphatic victory, Paris Saint-Germain earned their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final, where they will face Chelsea on Sunday, July 13, again at the MetLife Stadium in New York.
Real Madrid, one of the tournament favorites, are now out, marking yet another all-European final in modern intercontinental football. The 4-0 defeat is Real Madrid’s heaviest loss in international club competition in the last 25 years, highlighting serious defensive shortcomings.
Tactical Analysis: PSG disciplined, Real disjointed
Coach Luis Enrique set up PSG in a flexible 4-3-3 formation, with João Neves, Fabián Ruiz, and Vitinha controlling midfield. The full-backs, Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, provided width, while the front three of Dembélé, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia constantly rotated and disoriented Madrid’s defense.
In contrast, Xabi Alonso opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup that lacked synergy. Federico Valverde was forced into an unnatural role at right-back due to injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. The attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Gonzalo García remained isolated and ineffective.
The numbers speak volumes: PSG attempted 19 shots (8 on target) versus just 5 attempts from Real Madrid, despite similar possession percentages. The difference lay in PSG’s pressing, intensity, and vertical transitions.
Man of the Match: Fabián Ruiz
The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz, born in Los Palacios, Spain, was the undisputed star of the match. Equally effective in defense and attack, Ruiz dictated the tempo and showed his finishing prowess.
Ruiz displayed tactical awareness, offensive timing, and clinical finishing, fully deserving the Michelob Ultra Man of the Match award.
Next Matches
Paris Saint-Germain return to action on Sunday, July 13, for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final against Chelsea, with kickoff at 6 PM local time, at the MetLife Stadium, New York.
