PSG Crushes Real Madrid 4-0, Reaches Final \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Fabián Ruiz scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain demolished Real Madrid 4-0 to secure a spot in the Club World Cup final. PSG dominated from kickoff, netting three goals within 24 minutes. The French champions will now face Chelsea in Sunday’s championship match.
Quick Looks
- PSG defeats Real Madrid 4-0 at MetLife Stadium
- Fabián Ruiz scores twice in first 24 minutes
- Dembélé and Ramos add to the scoreline
- Real Madrid commits early defensive errors
- PSG dominates possession with 76.5% in first half
- Attendance: 77,542 fans in 91°F (33°C) heat
- Luka Modrić likely plays final match for Madrid
- Militão returns from ACL injury in 64th minute
- PSG to face Chelsea in Sunday’s final
- Prize money: $88M–$113M for reaching final
Deep Look
Paris Saint-Germain made a thunderous statement in global football on Wednesday with a commanding 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea. It was a performance not only of clinical finishing but of total tactical control and composure, showcasing PSG’s transformation into a team that can dominate at the highest level — not just domestically or in Europe, but on the world stage.
From the opening whistle, PSG imposed their style and exposed every weakness in a Real Madrid side that looked disjointed, travel-fatigued, and unprepared. The opening 24 minutes alone were a masterclass in pressing, possession, and finishing — with three goals scored and the match effectively ended before Madrid could mount a serious threat.
Ruiz and Dembélé Lead Ruthless First-Half Onslaught
Midfielder Fabián Ruiz, the unlikely attacking hero of the night, opened the scoring in the 6th minute. After a poor clearance from Real defender Raúl Asencio, the ball was poorly handled by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who managed only a weak parry into the path of Ruiz. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake, rifling the ball into the open net to give PSG a dream start.
Just three minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead, pouncing on a shocking mis-hit by Antonio Rüdiger near midfield. Dembélé surged forward in isolation, beat his man with ease, and slotted it calmly past Courtois. The sequence was emblematic of a Real Madrid defense in complete disarray, lacking cohesion and discipline.
The third goal epitomized PSG’s tactical clarity and pace in transition. Achraf Hakimi launched the move from deep, exchanging slick passes with Dembélé before delivering a low cross into the box. Ruiz, surging forward, shrugged off Federico Valverde‘s challenge and struck the ball home from close range, completing his brace and effectively sealing Real Madrid’s fate before halftime.
PSG finished the first half with 76.5% possession, suffocating Madrid’s midfield and denying space to any of their creative outlets.
Madrid’s Night to Forget: Fatigue, Injuries, and Missed Leadership
Real Madrid’s decision to train in Florida before the semifinal may have played a crucial role in their lethargic performance. The oppressive weather at kickoff — 91°F (33°C) with humidity making it feel like 101°F (38°C) — visibly affected the Spanish side, who never matched PSG’s intensity or tempo.
Star forward Kylian Mbappé, playing against his former club for the first time since his move to Madrid, was largely anonymous throughout the match. The much-anticipated showdown between Mbappé and his old teammates never materialized, as PSG defenders neutralized his influence with disciplined marking and excellent positioning.
Compounding Real’s troubles was the absence of suspended Dean Huijsen and injured right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose absence left gaping holes in Madrid’s defense. Rüdiger and Asencio, both culpable in PSG’s early goals, failed to provide the kind of veteran leadership needed on such a big stage.
A glimmer of emotion came in the 64th minute when Luka Modrić — likely playing his final game in a Madrid shirt — entered the pitch. Alongside him was Éder Militão, returning from a devastating ACL injury suffered last November. But by then, the game was already lost.
Late Goal and Final Test Ahead
As the match wound down, substitute striker Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth in the 87th minute, converting from close range to cap off PSG’s dominant evening. It was a final blow to Madrid’s pride — and a moment of triumph for a Paris side brimming with confidence and cohesion.
The 4-0 scoreline followed PSG’s 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final earlier this season, signaling that this is no longer a club haunted by past failures in Europe. Instead, they now sit at the cusp of a historic double — Champions League and Club World Cup titles in the same year.
PSG will face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, a marquee matchup that pits two of Europe’s biggest-spending clubs against each other. Chelsea, who have found form under their new manager this season, will pose a different tactical challenge — but after this performance, PSG will enter as strong favorites.
The Big Picture: PSG’s Rise and Real’s Reset
For Paris Saint-Germain, this win affirms their status as a global superpower. The Qatari-backed club has long had the ambition to dominate both Europe and the world, and 2025 may be the year it all clicks. Managerial stability, midfield depth, and the emergence of Ruiz as a big-game performer suggest a new era of balance — not just star power — is unfolding in Paris.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, must now reflect on a failed campaign. The Galácticos project, reinvigorated by Mbappé’s arrival, needs retooling — especially in defense. Veterans like Modrić are phasing out, and the team’s overreliance on individual brilliance was brutally exposed by PSG’s system-driven approach.
This semifinal was more than a football match — it was a symbol of shifting tides. PSG, once seen as the flashy pretenders, have matured into ruthless winners. Real Madrid, the kings of Europe, are left to regroup after being outclassed and outplayed in every phase of the game.
PSG Crushes Real PSG Crushes Real PSG Crushes Real
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