PSG thrash Real Madrid 4-0 to reach Club World Cup final
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a footballing masterclass, crushing Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium to secure a showdown with Chelsea in the final.
Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz was the architect of PSG’s triumph, scoring twice and orchestrating the midfield in a first-half blitz that left Real stunned. Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos also got on the scoresheet as the reigning European champions sent a clear statement of intent.
PSG capitalized on two early defensive blunders. In the sixth minute, Raul Asencio’s poor control handed Dembele a chance; his initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz calmly slotted home the rebound. Just three minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger’s mishit pass allowed Dembele to race in and fire a low finish past Courtois to make it 2-0. Ruiz doubled his tally in the 24th minute, finishing a clever move that began with Achraf Hakimi’s darting run down the right. Holding off Asencio with ease, Ruiz sent the ball home from close range.
PSG’s dominance continued throughout. Even with Kylian Mbappe returning from illness, it was Dembele and Ruiz who led the charge. Substitute Goncalo Ramos added a fourth goal in the 87th minute, sealing Real’s humiliation on a scorching afternoon.“It was an incredible match,” said Ruiz, who was named player of the match. “To beat a team like Real Madrid in this fashion, under such heat, speaks volumes of our character and preparation.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, without key defenders Dean Huijsen (suspension) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (injury), experimented with a four-man backline, a move that backfired. “The early goals broke our rhythm,” Alonso admitted. “We’re building something new. This is a lesson.”
PSG, fresh off their 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the Champions League final, looked hungry from the outset. Donnarumma had a quiet evening as Real failed to muster a serious threat on goal.The win not only sends PSG into the Club World Cup final but also reinforces their growing reputation as Europe’s most complete and dangerous team.
