Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, thanks to a Fabian Ruiz double, a goal and assist from Ousmane Dembélé, and a late strike by Gonçalo Ramos. The result sends PSG into Sunday’s final, where they will face Chelsea, aiming to become the first French club to lift the Club World Cup.
PSG Dominate From Start to Finish
On a sweltering evening before 77,542 fans in New Jersey, PSG stunned the pro-Madrid crowd by racing to a 3-0 lead within 24 minutes:
- 6th minute: Dembélé intercepted a loose ball, beat Courtois, and teed up Ruiz for the opening goal.
- 24th minute: After a blocked Kylian Mbappé shot, Achraf Hakimi and Dembélé combined for a quick counterattack that ended with Ruiz’s second goal.
- Dembélé then scored one himself before halftime, capitalizing on defensive chaos in Madrid’s box.
PSG controlled 76.5% possession in the first half, showcasing their midfield mastery and tactical superiority over the 15-time European champions.
Mbappé Silenced in Emotional Reunion
Wednesday’s clash marked Kylian Mbappé’s first match against PSG since leaving the club in 2024. But his return was far from triumphant. Starting for the first time in the tournament, he managed just three off-target shots and was kept quiet by the resolute PSG backline.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two routine saves and PSG recorded their fifth clean sheet in six tournament matches.
Real Madrid Looked Fatigued, Disjointed
Following a long transatlantic training stint in Florida, Real Madrid looked leggy and off-pace, much like Inter Milan, whom PSG thrashed 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final. Trent Alexander-Arnold was a notable absentee, reportedly nursing a training injury.
Madrid’s famed midfield struggled to link up with its frontline, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to register any real attacking threat after the opening 20 minutes.
Gonçalo Ramos Seals the Deal
Substitute Gonçalo Ramos rounded off the night with an 87th-minute tap-in, capping a devastating display by the Ligue 1 champions.
A Historic Final Awaits
- PSG will face Chelsea on Sunday in what promises to be a high-stakes final.
- Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2021.
- A win would make PSG the first French club to claim the global crown.
Prize Money
By reaching the final, PSG have earned between $88.4 million and $113.8 million, based on participation and performance bonuses.
