Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominated Real Madrid with a decisive 4-0 victory in their semifinal match at MetLife Stadium, confirming their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. The French side showcased their formidable prowess early on, with two goals from Fabián Ruiz and another from Ousmane Dembelé, establishing a commanding lead in the first half. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the match with a fourth goal in the dying moments, as temperatures soared to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) in New Jersey.
PSG’s triumph sets up a final against Chelsea, who advanced by defeating Brazil’s Fluminense in the other semifinal on Tuesday. After securing the UEFA Champions League title in May, PSG now aims to cap off a remarkable year by claiming the title of world champion.
Following the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique emphasized the significance of reaching the final for the club and its supporters. “It is a very special moment for us, Parisians, for all the supporters, the entire club,” he stated. “We want to win this final. Everyone saw the stifling heat; it’s incredible to play in that. I think it affected both teams, but we kept playing and fighting.”
The semifinal was highly anticipated, particularly due to the presence of Kylian Mbappé, who faced his former club for the first time. Yet, it was the defensive lapses from Real Madrid that proved critical in the match’s outcome. In the sixth minute, Raúl Asencio, stepping in for the suspended Dean Huijsen, was dispossessed in his own penalty area by Dembelé. The ensuing play allowed Ruiz to score the opener after Dembelé was fouled by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Just three minutes later, mistakes from Real continued as Antonio Rüdiger miscontrolled the ball, allowing Dembelé to capitalize and score once again. Despite being two goals down, Real Madrid created opportunities but struggled to penetrate a well-organized PSG defense, which was missing two key players, Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, due to red cards received in the quarterfinals.
PSG maintained their momentum and, in the 24th minute, executed a brilliant passing sequence that left Achraf Hakimi to assist Ruiz for his second goal. Real Madrid did manage to create chances but failed to convert, ultimately allowing PSG to extend their lead with a swift counterattack finished off by Ramos. His goal celebration, imitating a seated video game player, served as a tribute to Diogo Jota, a former teammate who tragically passed away in a car accident the previous week.
The victory underscored PSG’s exceptional form, continuing the streak from their Champions League campaign. They have now won their last six matches without conceding a goal. Dembelé’s impressive tally of 35 goals this season puts him in contention for the Ballon d’Or, surpassing his previous best of 14 goals.
As PSG prepares for the final against Chelsea, midfielder Senny Mayulu expressed the team’s excitement. “It’s a source of pride to be able to play in a final,” he remarked. “We qualified with a big win. We’re very happy about it and we’ll take some time to enjoy it, but also rest and get ready for the final because it’s not over yet.”
This match also marked a bittersweet moment for Real Madrid, as it was the last appearance for club legend Luka Modrić. The Croatian midfielder exits after an illustrious career with the team, amassing 597 appearances and winning 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles. He is set to join Italian club AC Milan to continue his playing career. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso reflected on Modrić’s legacy, stating, “This is not the desired end. He’s a legend of world football and of Real Madrid.”
As the stage is set for the final on March 15, 2025, PSG will aim to further their legacy with a victory against Chelsea, while Real Madrid will look to rebuild in the wake of this significant defeat.
