Paris Saint-Germain demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semifinal, delivering a dominant performance that left the football world stunned.
PSG Crush Real Madrid 4-0 in Club World Cup Semifinal as Fans and Pundits React
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a statement performance in the Club World Cup semifinal, dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in a ruthless display of pace, precision and purpose. The French giants are now one win away from lifting the title, with Premier League side Chelsea waiting in Sunday’s final.
It took less than half an hour for PSG to effectively end the contest. By the 24th minute, they were already three goals up, carving Madrid’s defense apart with clinical passing sequences and relentless attacking intent. The Spanish side’s backline, missing key defenders Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, was exposed early and often. Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio struggled to contain the movement and interplay of PSG’s front line, and it proved costly.
The opening goals came as a direct result of Madrid’s defensive lapses. A poor clearance and a sloppy backpass led to quick-fire finishes from Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Nuno Mendes added the third with a perfectly timed run and finish that left Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin rooted to the spot.
While the intensity dipped after the break, PSG never lost control. Their ability to manage the game and dictate the tempo showed the maturity and depth of Luis Enrique’s side. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos added a late fourth in the 87th minute, sealing a famous result and continuing an impressive run through this tournament.
PSG have already taken out Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Miami en route to the final. Each victory has come with its own level of dominance, but none were as emphatic as their rout of Real Madrid — a team many believed had the edge in star power and European pedigree.
Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. started for Madrid, yet it was PSG’s dynamic midfield trio and their high press that dictated the rhythm from kickoff. Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia wreaked havoc across Madrid’s lines, never allowing the Spanish side to settle. Even with Mbappe on the pitch, the team lacked any real connection or attacking thrust.
Xabi Alonso’s Madrid, so tactically sharp in recent months, were simply outclassed. It was a humbling night for the new manager, whose decision to stick with an untested defensive pairing backfired under the lights at MetLife Stadium.
On social media, pundits and fans alike were stunned by the ease with which PSG dominated. Former players called it a “masterclass,” while others questioned Real Madrid’s readiness at this level. The scoreline may have raised eyebrows, but the performance left little doubt — PSG are peaking at just the right time.
Now, attention turns to the final. Chelsea, who beat Fluminense 2-0 in the other semifinal, will need to be at their absolute best to have any hope of containing PSG’s attacking rhythm. Unlike PSG, the Blues have had a relatively straightforward path to the final, and Enzo Maresca’s squad will need a flawless tactical plan to overcome the tournament’s most dangerous side.
As the football world digests the magnitude of PSG’s win over Madrid, the French champions are already preparing for one last step. On Sunday, they will walk out in the Club World Cup final as clear favorites — a position they’ve earned by tearing through Europe’s elite.
