Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a breathtaking performance in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday night, overpowering Real Madrid with a decisive 4-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium.
The Parisians showcased their attacking prowess, storming into the final where they will seek to lift their first Club World Cup trophy on Sunday against Chelsea.
It took just six minutes for PSG to open the scoring, with Fabian Ruiz scoring the first goal after Ousmane Dembele pounced on a loose touch from Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio. Then, in the ninth minute, a mistake by Asencio’s defensive partner Antonio Rudiger allowed Dembele to race through and beat Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal and doubled their advantage.
PSG continued to dominate proceedings, with Achraf Hakimi linking up with Ferran Ruiz in the 24th minute. The Spanish midfielder capitalised on a sloppy clearance from the Los Blancos defence, striking with precision to send PSG into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Real Madrid struggled to find any rhythm throughout the first half, and despite a spirited effort, they were unable to significantly threaten PSG’s goal. The French side’s defense, marshalled superbly by Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos, remained resolute, halting any attempts made by the Spanish giants.
The second half saw more of the same, with PSG maintaining control and creating numerous opportunities. The relentless pressure paid off in the 87th minute when Bradley Barcola, who had come off the bench, scored the fourth for PSG, sealing the emphatic victory and leaving Real Madrid with little to celebrate.
This result marks an extraordinary feat for PSG, showcasing their strength in depth and tactical discipline under manager Luis Enrique.
Madrid offered little threat of their own, with Kylian Mbappe, who swapped Paris for the Spanish capital last summer, and the Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Junior both disappointing in New Jersey.
PSG will now face Chelsea in the final at the same stadium on Sunday.
