PSG Crushes Real Madrid 4-0 in FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal Showdown

July 9, 2025 — Paris Saint-Germain delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to secure their place in the final against Chelsea. The match, a clash of European giants, saw PSG dominate from the opening whistle, with Fabián Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos leading a relentless attack that exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Match Recap: A Dominant Display by PSG

The game kicked off at 3:00 PM ET, with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak overseeing the action. PSG wasted no time asserting their authority, capitalizing on a Real Madrid side hampered by defensive absences and travel disruptions caused by a storm in Miami.

• 6th Minute: Fabián Ruiz Opens the Scoring
  PSG struck early when Real Madrid’s young defender Raúl Asencio made a costly error inside his own box. Ousmane Dembélé pounced, and though goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois initially thwarted the attempt, Ruiz was on hand to fire home, giving PSG a 1-0 lead. The goal set the tone for PSG’s high-pressing, relentless approach.

• 9th Minute: Dembélé Doubles the Lead
  Real Madrid’s defense faltered again as Antonio Rüdiger misjudged a pass in his own half. Dembélé, in scintillating form, raced through and slotted the ball past Courtois into the bottom left corner, making it 2-0. The pro-Madrid crowd was stunned as PSG’s intensity overwhelmed their opponents.

• 24th Minute: Ruiz Nets His Second
  PSG’s third goal came from a lightning-fast counterattack. Achraf Hakimi, sprinting 70 yards from his own area, orchestrated a move with three precise passes before setting up Ruiz, who rolled past Federico Valverde and scored his second of the night. At 3-0, PSG had 78% possession and 10 shots, leaving Real Madrid shell-shocked.

• 87th Minute: Ramos Seals the Rout
  Late in the game, substitutes Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos combined for PSG’s fourth. Barcola kept possession under pressure, spinning away from Éder Militão before rolling the ball to Ramos, who elegantly turned past Aurélien Tchouaméni and slotted into the bottom left. Ramos celebrated with a touching tribute to the late Diogo Jota, sitting cross-legged as if playing video games.

PSG’s dominance was so complete that a disallowed goal by Désiré Doué in the 48th minute for offside barely disrupted their rhythm. Real Madrid, despite a few chances, including a blocked shot from Kylian Mbappé and a late header from Militão that went wide, were outclassed. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two key saves, including one from Mbappé, to secure PSG’s fifth clean sheet in six tournament matches.

Key Moments and Performances

• PSG’s Tactical Brilliance: Under Luis Enrique, PSG showcased a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair. Despite missing defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández due to suspensions, Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo anchored a robust backline. Midfielders Vitinha, João Neves, and Ruiz controlled the game, while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes redefined the role of full-backs with their dynamic runs.

• Real Madrid’s Struggles: Real Madrid, without suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, looked disjointed. Xabi Alonso’s side failed to replicate their earlier tournament form, with the absence of their usual defensive structure and a lack of cohesion in attack. Mbappé, facing his former club for the first time since his 2024 move to Madrid, was unable to make an impact.

• Standout Players: Fabián Ruiz, named the match’s Superior Superstar by FIFA, was instrumental with his brace and commanding midfield presence. Dembélé’s goal and assist furthered his Ballon d’Or candidacy, while Hakimi’s 70-yard run for the third goal was a highlight. For Real Madrid, Courtois made several spectacular saves, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.

Post-Match Reactions

PSG’s Fabián Ruiz spoke to DAZN after the match: “It was an incredible game… a perfect performance, especially given the heat. Brilliant against a really top team in Real Madrid. I’m happy for the goals, but mostly for the win. Facing Chelsea will be difficult, but hopefully we can finish the season in the best way possible.”

Xabi Alonso, reflecting on the loss, told DAZN: “At 2-0 down, we knew it would be tough… the feeling is not the best. PSG have been building for years, but we are just starting. We need a proper break… this is not the beginning of next year, just the end of this season.”

The match also marked the end of an era for Real Madrid, as Luka Modrić, substituted in the 64th minute, played his final game for the club. His contract expired post-match, and he was farewelled with a heartfelt embrace from Alonso.

Looking Ahead: PSG vs. Chelsea in the Final

PSG now advances to the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Chelsea, who defeated Fluminense 2-0 in the other semifinal. A victory would mark PSG’s first Club World Cup title and complete a historic quintuple, having already won the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions in the 2024-25 season. The final promises a thrilling encounter, with Chelsea’s João Pedro posing a threat after his brace against Fluminense.

Historical Context and Stakes

This was the fifth knockout tie between PSG and Real Madrid, with Madrid holding a slight edge in prior meetings (5 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses). However, PSG’s emphatic victory flipped the narrative, showcasing their evolution into a European powerhouse. The match, broadcast globally by DAZN and other platforms, drew significant attention, with ticket prices starting at $192 and averaging $434, reflecting the high demand for this blockbuster clash.

PSG’s performance reaffirmed their status as tournament favorites, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 39.3% chance of lifting the trophy. Real Madrid, despite their unbeaten record in the Club World Cup prior to this match (17 wins, 3 draws), were taught a harsh lesson by a PSG side that has now won their last four knockout matches by a combined score of 14-0.

Conclusion

Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-0 rout of Real Madrid was a statement of intent, blending tactical discipline with ruthless attacking play. As they prepare to face Chelsea in the final, PSG stands on the cusp of history, aiming to cement their place among football’s elite. For Real Madrid, the defeat marks a challenging start for Alonso’s tenure, but the young squad’s potential suggests brighter days ahead. The football world now awaits a thrilling finale to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.