Both teams experienced delays getting to MetLife Stadium due to traffic, but that didn’t hinder Paris Saint-Germain, who swiftly took control and secured a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. PSG dominated the match, particularly showcasing their star, Kylian Mbappe, despite both squads missing some regular starters like Willian Pacho and Dean Huissen due to training-related issues.
The scoring commenced with Fabian Lewis, as PSG capitalized on Real Madrid’s mistakes to set up a clash against Chelsea in the final this Sunday at 3 PM. Following their first-ever Champions League title, PSG is now on the verge of clinching their inaugural Club World Cup title. Luis Enrique has effectively molded the team post-Mbappe’s departure to Madrid, maintaining momentum even with the return of their record scorer.
After Lewis netted the first goal, Ousmane Dembele increased his Ballon d’Or hopes by intercepting Antonio Rudiger and scoring before completing his brace within just 24 minutes. Although Xabi Alonso’s side had travel issues, they didn’t let that affect their performance.
Mbappe made his initial tournament start alongside young Gonzalo Garcia, but the shift to a back four troubled Real Madrid throughout the match. PSG has demonstrated their capability this season and, despite playing their 64th game, maintained their intensity—a testament to the robust culture Luis Enrique has instilled, exhibiting a team dynamic beyond individual star power.
PSG’s evolution since the days of Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar could culminate in a victory against Chelsea on Sunday. For Alonso, this serves as a valuable learning experience as he assesses the strengths and weaknesses of his squad ahead of the Champions League knockout stage.
Madrid has performed better with a back three in this tournament. With Francisco Garcia and Alexander Arnold in offensive positions, if this setup becomes their primary strategy, it will require fine-tuning to manage space effectively, especially as the era of Luka Modric nears its end. This match highlights the significant gap that remains between Madrid and PSG.
Fan Take: This match underscores PSG’s rising dominance in global soccer, potentially shifting the power dynamics in European football. For fans, it signifies a thrilling evolution of the sport, where teamwork and strategy could define future successes over individual prowess.
