EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Real Madrid, celebrated as the most triumphant club in soccer history and the world’s most popular sports team, is synonymous with immense wealth and prestige. Boasting stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and a host of others, they represent the most valuable squad in the sport. However, on a sweltering Wednesday at MetLife Stadium, they crumbled under the relentless pressure from Paris Saint-Germain.
This anticipated Club World Cup semifinal began as a battle of titans but quickly turned into a one-sided affair with a decisive score of 4-0, in favor of PSG.
Real Madrid appeared lethargic and disorganized, while PSG exhibited fierce determination, overwhelming the so-called kings of Europe. The Parisians nearly found the net twice within the first five minutes, a feat only denied by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the sixth minute, followed rapidly by Ousmane Dembélé in the ninth, and Ruiz netted again in the 24th minute, prompting discontent among the 80,000 Madrid fans present.
Despite filling the stadium in anticipation, buoyed by Mbappé’s return against his former team, Los Blancos were outpaced and overwhelmed by the reigning European champions, led by the squad that had recently dethroned them.
Real Madrid struggled to maintain their shape, often appearing outmatched and outclassed by PSG’s cohesive and dynamic play. The relentless pressing from PSG, characterized by aggressive coordination, was emblematic of their calculated gameplay. Dembélé, returning from injury, skillfully exploited Madrid’s aging defense, particularly targeting Antonio Rüdiger.
All three of PSG’s first-half goals originated from Madrid’s left side, highlighting the defensive frailties within their squad. The third goal was a beautifully constructed sequence of five passes that navigated PSG effortlessly through Madrid’s backline. Nuno Mendes dominated the left flank, showcasing his versatility and even managing to track back to neutralize Vinicius Jr.’s attempts.
Despite an effortless display in the first half, PSG’s performance waned in the second, as they prepared for the forthcoming final against Chelsea. Even with substitutions, they maintained their superiority, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a late fourth goal from the bench. By the end of the match, Real Madrid appeared defeated, with no contest remaining. With no added stoppage time, referee Szymon Marciniak blew the final whistle, marking Real Madrid’s exit from the tournament, one match short of the final.
