PSG's Ruthless Display Stuns Real Madrid

If you expected a close battle between PSG and Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals, what unfolded on July 9, 2025, felt more like a footballing landslide. Paris Saint-Germain dominated from the opening whistle at New York’s MetLife Stadium, steamrolling the Spanish giants 4-0 and booking their place in the final in style.

The energy inside the stadium barely had time to settle before Fabian Ruiz fired PSG into the lead. Just six minutes into the match, Ruiz neatly tucked in the opener, sending a jolt through the Real Madrid defense. Only three minutes later, Ousmane Dembele pounced with a clinical finish, doubling the French side’s advantage. Real Madrid hardly caught their breath before they were trailing by two.

Ruiz wasn’t done. In the 24th minute, he struck again—this time off a clever sequence that left the Real defense watching. The ease with which PSG moved the ball and pressed forward drew admiring comparisons to the legendary Barcelona side coached by Pep Guardiola. The flair, the quick passing, and the overwhelming intent—Luis Enrique’s men felt unstoppable in that opening half hour.

Defensive Collapse and a Night to Forget for Madrid

For Madrid, everything that could go wrong, did. Their defense looked rattled and overwhelmed by wave after wave of PSG attacks. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, playing his final competitive match for the club, often looked isolated and powerless as PSG carved through his midfield. The sense of frustration on the Madrid bench grew, with coach Carlo Ancelotti visibly agitated at his team’s lack of structure. Madrid’s star forwards, including Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, barely saw the ball as the French side suffocated them out of the contest.

The rout was completed when Goncalo Ramos slotted in PSG’s fourth goal, capping off a truly remarkable team performance. By then, the outcome was never in doubt. Madrid tried to salvage some pride, but every forward move ran into a disciplined PSG backline eager to keep a clean sheet.

This defeat didn’t just end Madrid’s Club World Cup hopes—it felt symbolic. Luka Modric, one of the club’s brightest legends, walked off the pitch to a standing ovation from fans of both sides. After years of dictating games in the stark white shirt, his final act as a Madridista ended in heartbreak, underlining the changing of the guard in European football.

For PSG manager Luis Enrique, this was more than a tactical win; it was a showcase of authority. His side heads to the final with momentum and confidence, eager to lift the trophy and make more history.

Next up? A mouthwatering clash with Chelsea, who booked their place in the final after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fluminense. With the stage set, all eyes turn to PSG—can they take that final step and claim the Club World Cup crown?