Egypt Daily News – Paris Saint-Germain produced a scintillating display to crush Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, booking their place in Sunday’s final against Chelsea at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Luis Enrique’s side overwhelmed the Spanish giants with a performance that was both ruthless and stylish, echoing their earlier 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Goals from Fabián Ruiz (6’, 24’), Ousmane Dembélé (9’), and Gonçalo Ramos (87’) sealed a result that stunned spectators and exposed deep cracks in Real Madrid’s structure.
From the first whistle, PSG controlled the tempo, suffocating Madrid’s midfield and capitalizing on defensive errors. Dembélé was a constant menace, winning possession high up the pitch and converting a chance himself after assisting Ruiz early on. The first goal came when Dembélé stole the ball from a sluggish Raúl Asencio, leading to a simple finish for Ruiz. Minutes later, a comical air-kick from Antonio Rüdiger allowed Dembélé to race clear and make it 2-0 with a composed finish past Thibaut Courtois.
The third goal arrived in the 24th minute following a fluid one-two between Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan full-back delivered a low cross that Ruiz controlled before firing into the bottom corner beyond Courtois, who had already made several key saves to keep the score from spiraling further.
Real Madrid, led by manager Xabi Alonso, looked disjointed and underprepared, struggling to cope with PSG’s energy and precision. Kylian Mbappé, starting for the first time in this tournament, didn’t score but contributed to a relentless attacking press that pinned Madrid deep into their own half.
Despite the searing 34°C heat and a 10-minute kickoff delay caused by traffic congestion outside the $1 billion MetLife Stadium, PSG fans were treated to a masterclass in high-tempo, clinical football. Their side completed more passes than any other team in the competition, and Real Madrid consistently handed possession back, often with long, aimless clearances from the back.
In the final stages of the match, PSG toyed with their opponents, passing around Madrid’s box with ease. The fourth and final goal came in the 87th minute, when Ramos received the ball in the area, spun sharply, and finished calmly to complete the rout.
Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, now stand between PSG and their first Club World Cup title. The Blues, Europa Conference League winners, enter the final as clear underdogs, especially with concerns over Moisés Caicedo’s availability due to injury. For Chelsea to stop this PSG side—a team that has dominated both domestically and on the European stage—they will need nothing short of perfection.
PSG’s message is clear: after conquering Europe, they have set their sights on global supremacy.
