PSG Dominates Real Madrid 4-0 in Historic Club World Cup Semifinal

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning masterclass to dismantle Real Madrid 4-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, booking a place in Sunday's final against Chelsea. The European champions dominated from the opening whistle, scoring three goals in the first 24 minutes to effectively end the contest before halftime.

The highly anticipated "Mbappé Derby" – the first meeting between the French superstar and his former club since his high-profile transfer to Madrid last summer – turned into a nightmare for the Spanish giants as PSG's relentless pressing and clinical finishing overwhelmed Xabi Alonso's side.

Early Blitz Stuns Madrid

The match began with PSG immediately on the front foot, pressing high and forcing errors from a Madrid side that looked uncomfortable from the start. It took just six minutes for the breakthrough to arrive when Fabián Ruiz fired home from the edge of the box after Thibaut Courtois had initially saved a shot from Nuno Mendes.

Before Madrid could reorganize, they were two down. In the 9th minute, Ousmane Dembélé – who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament – cut inside from the right wing and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Courtois with no chance.

Mbappé's Reunion Turns Sour

All eyes were on Kylian Mbappé, making his first start in the tournament after recovering from illness. The reunion with his former club was supposed to be his moment to shine, but instead, the French superstar cut a frustrated figure throughout the match, isolated and well-marshaled by PSG's disciplined defense.

Despite his best efforts, Mbappé managed just one shot on target and completed only 17 passes in the entire match. His most notable contribution was a yellow card for a frustrated challenge on Achraf Hakimi in the 56th minute.

Dembélé Strengthens Ballon d'Or Case

While Mbappé struggled, his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé continued his remarkable form for PSG. The winger was virtually unplayable, scoring once, providing an assist, and creating five chances throughout the match. His performance will only strengthen his case for the Ballon d'Or, with many observers now considering him the frontrunner for football's most prestigious individual award.

Madrid's System Fails Under Pressure

Real Madrid's new coach Xabi Alonso, who took over just before the tournament, will face serious questions after this humbling defeat. His tactical setup was comprehensively outmaneuvered by Luis Enrique, with Madrid's midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Bellingham unable to gain any control over proceedings.

The absence of suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold exposed Madrid's defensive frailties, but the problems ran deeper than personnel. The team appeared disjointed and lacked the cohesion that has been their hallmark in previous European campaigns.

Match Statistics

Looking Ahead to the Final

PSG will now face Chelsea in Sunday's Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The English side defeated Brazilian champions Fluminense 2-0 in the other semifinal, setting up what promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between Luis Enrique and Chelsea's manager.

For PSG, this victory represents another step toward establishing themselves as the dominant force in world football. Having finally secured their first Champions League title in May, they are now just one win away from adding the Club World Cup to their growing collection of trophies.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Fluminense in the third-place playoff on Saturday, a disappointing consolation for a club that entered the tournament with high expectations following their marquee signing of Mbappé.