Despite reports of pre-match travel woes for both sides – traffic delays for PSG, a late flight for Real Madrid – it was Paris Saint-Germain who arrived with absolute intent on the pitch of MetLife Stadium. What followed was not a tense semi-final encounter, but a decisive demonstration of power. PSG dismantled Real Madrid with a clinical 4-0 victory in the Club World Cup semifinals, securing their spot against Chelsea in the final.
The scoring began with almost unsettling speed. Fabian Ruiz capitalized on early pressure to put PSG ahead just six minutes in. Far from sitting back, the Parisians pressed their advantage relentlessly. Ousmane Dembele, showcasing both skill and a keen eye for opportunity, dispossessed Antonio Rudiger before calmly adding the second. Ruiz then completed his brace inside the first 25 minutes, leaving Real Madrid and manager Xabi Alonso visibly stunned and chasing a game that had already sprinted away from them.
This dominant performance wasn`t merely a fluke; it was a testament to the evolution of Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique. Having recently secured their first Champions League title, PSG are playing with a cohesion and tactical discipline that transcends the individual brilliance of past eras. The focus has shifted from relying solely on superstar power (like the days of Messi, Neymar, and yes, Mbappé) to a collective, high-pressing unit that can execute a game plan flawlessly, even deep into a demanding season. This PSG machine appears finely tuned and highly effective.
For Real Madrid, the match was a harsh reality check. The much-anticipated return of Kylian Mbappé against his former club proved to be a non-factor in the face of PSG`s onslaught. Manager Xabi Alonso experimented with a back four, a setup that appeared ill-suited to the team on the day, leaving them vulnerable and unable to impose their game. Players like Gonzalo Garcia, starting alongside Mbappé, found little space or support. This tournament, and particularly this match, serves as a crucial learning opportunity for Alonso in his early tenure.
The stark contrast between Madrid`s preferred back-three setup – which allows attacking freedom for players like Francisco Garcia and potentially Trent Alexander-Arnold (when fit) – and the ineffective back-four highlights tactical questions the team must address moving forward. With veterans like Luka Modric potentially departing, this defeat underscores the significant work ahead for Real Madrid to bridge the gap demonstrated on the night. Sometimes, seeing how far you are from the top tier is the necessary first step.
PSG now marches on to the Club World Cup final to face Chelsea, riding the wave of a near-perfect season. For Real Madrid, the trip ends prematurely, but perhaps provides invaluable insights into squad dynamics, tactical flexibility, and the demanding level required at the very pinnacle of club football. The lessons learned in a 4-0 defeat in a semi-competitive tournament might just pay dividends when the truly critical matches arrive.
