Paris Saint-Germain stormed into the FIFA Club World Cup final with a stunning 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
The semi-final was effectively decided within the opening 24 minutes as the reigning Champions League holders tore apart a disjointed Madrid side, laying down another emphatic marker under Luis Enrique’s reign.
Early Blitz Leaves Madrid Reeling
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up involving Raul Asencio after the referee allowed play to continue despite a foul by Thibaut Courtois on Ousmane Dembele.
Three minutes later, Dembele doubled PSG’s lead, racing through Madrid’s backline after Antonio Rudiger mishit a clearance, before calmly slotting past Courtois.
Ruiz then struck again to make it 3-0, capping off a delightful one-two between Achraf Hakimi and Dembele.
Real, missing injured right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, offered little in response. Goncalo Ramos completed the rout with a late goal to crown a dominant display by the Parisians.
Main Talking Point: PSG Better Without Mbappe?
Kylian Mbappe was on the pitch—but as a Madrid player watching his former club run riot. Since his departure on a free transfer last year, PSG appear to have evolved into a more cohesive, devastating unit.
Despite Mbappe contributing 48 goals and assists this season for Real, the Spanish giants finish the campaign trophyless, while PSG are chasing a fifth piece of silverware in 2025—including the French equivalent of the Community Shield.
Having already swept aside Inter Milan (5-0 in the Champions League final), Atletico Madrid (4-0), and Bayern Munich (2-0 with nine men), Luis Enrique’s side once again proved that no team can match their pace, pressing, and fluid passing.
Who Stood Out?
Almost everyone in PSG colours. Ruiz netted a brace and bossed midfield alongside his tireless teammates. Dembele was electric throughout, while Hakimi tormented his former club from right-back.
For Real Madrid, the only bright moment came at the final whistle, as Luka Modric received an emotional farewell after making his 597th and final appearance. The 39-year-old Croatian legend is now set to join AC Milan.
Key Stats
PSG have won their last five knockout matches in all competitions by a combined score of 18-0. Real Madrid conceded three goals in the opening 25 minutes of a match for the first time since November 2003 (against Sevilla). This was Real’s first-ever defeat in a Club World Cup match.
What’s Next?
PSG now face Chelsea in Sunday’s final, also at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before meeting Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August.
Real Madrid are not scheduled to play again until their La Liga opener against Osasuna on 19 August—though the club is reportedly seeking a postponement to allow more rest for the players.