PSG's 4-0 Masterclass Crushes Real Madrid in Semifinal

July 9, 2025 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a footballing masterclass, dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, securing a spot in the final against Chelsea. The match, played under sweltering conditions, highlighted PSG’s tactical evolution under Luis Enrique and exposed the growing pains of Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso.

A Blistering Start Sets the Tone

At the opening whistle, PSG asserted their dominance. Within six minutes, Fabián Ruiz capitalized on a catastrophic error by Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio, who lost possession in a dangerous area. Ousmane Dembélé pounced, setting up Ruiz for a clinical finish past Thibaut Courtois. Three minutes later, Dembélé exploited another defensive lapse, this time by Antonio Rüdiger, racing through to slot the ball home and make it 2-0. By the 24th minute, Ruiz headed in his second goal, leaving Madrid’s defense in disarray and the scoreline at 3-0 before the half-hour mark.

PSG’s high-pressing game, orchestrated by Enrique, overwhelmed Real Madrid. The midfield trio of Vitinha, Ruiz, and João Neves closed every gap, while full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes operated as dynamic attacking threats. Real Madrid, missing key defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, struggled to cope, managing just 29.6% possession and one shot on goal.

Real Madrid’s Struggles Under Alonso

For Real Madrid, the match was a poignant illustration of the challenges facing Xabi Alonso’s rebuild. Despite the return of Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, the makeshift backline crumbled under PSG’s relentless pressure. Kylian Mbappé, facing his former club, was a peripheral figure, unable to spark a comeback. Courtois made two early saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but defensive errors rendered his efforts futile.

Alonso’s side showed none of the promise seen in their earlier tournament matches, where they remained unbeaten until this point. The absence of a cohesive defensive structure and failure to adapt to PSG’s intensity highlighted the work still needed to instill Alonso’s philosophy.

PSG’s Depth and Dominance

PSG’s performance was a testament to Enrique’s vision of an “absolute machine.” Despite missing defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández due to suspensions, Lucas Beraldo and Marquinhos formed a solid partnership. At the 59th minute, PSG made substitutions, with Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola replacing Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, to maintain their attacking edge. Ramos added the fourth goal in the 87th minute, sweeping in after a swift counterattack led by Hakimi and Barcola.

The victory marked PSG’s 48th win of the season, a new club record, and underscored their shift from relying on marquee signings to a cohesive, tactically astute unit. Dembélé, a Ballon d’Or contender, and Ruiz, the match’s standout, epitomized this transformation.

Looking Ahead: The Final and Beyond

PSG now face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, with a chance to claim the inaugural title in the tournament’s revamped format. Enrique, reflecting on the win, praised his team’s performance in challenging conditions and expressed confidence in their ability to “make history.” For Real Madrid, the defeat marks Alonso’s first loss as coach, a sobering moment in their transitional phase.

The match also carried symbolic weight for Kylian Mbappé, who left PSG for Real Madrid in 2024 seeking Champions League glory, only to see his former club triumph as European champions and now dominate on the global stage. As PSG prepare for Chelsea, their fans, vibrant and vocal at MetLife Stadium, will dream of adding another chapter to their remarkable season.