Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a masterclass in football efficiency, crushing Real Madrid 4-0 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Fabian Ruiz starred with two goals, while Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos sealed the victory, propelling PSG to Sunday's final against Chelsea.
A First-Half Blitz: PSG stunned Madrid with three goals in 24 minutes. Ruiz capitalized on defensive errors by Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger, while Dembele exploited a 40-yard dribble to slot past Thibaut Courtois. A slick counterattack saw Ruiz net his third tournament goal, leaving Madrid reeling.
Madrid's Struggles: The 15-time European champions appeared sluggish, managing just 23.5% first-half possession. Kylian Mbappe, facing his former team, was notably quiet. Injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen's suspension further weakened Madrid's defense.
Historic Momentum: Fresh off their first European title, PSG showcased relentless energy. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, potentially in his final appearance for the club, entered late but couldn’t shift momentum. Eder Militao’s return from a November 2024 ACL tear offered little solace.
PSG now eyes global glory against Chelsea, while Madrid faces questions about aging stars and tactical adjustments. The match underscores Europe’s shifting football power dynamics, with PSG emerging as a dominant force.
