East Rutherford, New Jersey – When it came to prestige, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid faced off as two of the wealthiest clubs in soccer history, with PSG being the 2025 European champion and Real Madrid the 2024 champion. Both teams rank among the top three in terms of financial earnings.
So, it was a shock when PSG overwhelmed Real Madrid with a stunning 4-0 victory in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
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However, this result was perhaps not so unexpected.
“They are just starting with a new head coach,” stated PSG manager Luis Enrique, conveyed through a Madrid interpreter, after the match. “We have been developing our system for two years. So our scenarios are quite different.”
Both clubs possess similar resources, talent, and aspirations, yet on July 9, 2025, one appeared as a well-oiled machine while the other seemed still in development. One team operated as a cohesive unit, while the other appeared somewhat disjointed.
Xabi Alonso is in the early stages of his managerial journey with Real Madrid. Since taking over last month, he has prioritized “balance” and “commitment.” In the current football landscape, he emphasized that “everyone needs to contribute at every stage.” He stepped into a fragmented squad with forward players who hadn’t been defensive and defenders who had been overburdened. He aims to unify the team. “I desire a cohesive unit,” he affirmed.
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In essence, he seeks to replicate what PSG has achieved.
As PSG fullback Achraf Hakimi noted on Wednesday, “The team collaborates towards a common goal.”
“Our success this year,” midfielder Fabian Lewis explained in Spanish, “is a collective effort from all players.”
“We all contribute together,” said Enrique. “That’s the plan, both in terms of defense and offense.”
Coach Luis Enrique’s strategy emphasizes team unity over individual talent, making PSG a formidable force. (Photo: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – Ges Sportfoto/Getty Images)
(Marvin Ibo Guengoer – Ges Sportfoto via Getty Images)
Fans of Alonso and Real Madrid desire immediate results, yet they understand that establishing a cohesive team takes time. Enrique has invested two years in this process, while Alonso faced the challenge of jumping into the Club World Cup just two weeks after taking the reins.
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“These are two distinct projects,” Enrique emphasized through an interpreter. “Xabi is just getting started. He has demonstrated his coaching abilities elsewhere, but it will certainly take time. A preseason is essential. There’s little analysis or rating to be done here.”
So, why was such a beating unexpected? Because many games have been decided by individual brilliance, with players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior capable of turning the tide in fleeting moments.
At this elite level, however, talent must be woven together with tactics, cohesive teamwork, and a shared vision.
“The key was our approach to the match… the clarity we possessed in our strategy,” said PSG midfielder Vitanya. “As always, we strive for control when we have the ball.”
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While they boast star players too, Hakimi noted that PSG’s success stemmed from the collective effort of the team.
Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain celebrate a goal during the semi-final match. (AP Photo/Pameras Miss)
(AP News)
It’s clear why Alonso aims to restructure Real Madrid in a similar fashion, but this does not imply that he intends for the team to emulate PSG. Rather, he is forming his unique vision with the resources he has.
But how has Enrique transformed a team of stars into one that appears nearly unbeatable?
As Hakimi asked on Wednesday, how does he “build a cohesive unit?”
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His strategy involves having his most talented offensive players defend while asking his best defenders to contribute offensively, with midfielders adopting a versatile role.
That’s the vision Alonso is working to implement.
“We want to create a team that plays as one, where everyone feels integrated and embodies the same spirit,” Alonso stated.
However, he hasn’t yet had the chance to put this into action. He suggested that the team’s late preparation period might necessitate starting from scratch after a brief break later this month. This Club World Cup thus represents a learning experience rather than an endpoint. In the grand scheme, a 4-0 defeat is a significant setback, but it provides a clear indicator of where they stand against the world’s top teams.
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Alonso remarked that today, “(PSG) is in a very strong position and is entering a new phase.”
Meanwhile, as Hakimi noted, PSG has consistently trained together under the same coaches and philosophy. “We feel great about our team dynamic, and we are eager to continue creating history.”
In the world of soccer, the clash between PSG and Real Madrid highlights the critical importance of cohesion over individual talent. For fans, this match underscores how a team’s philosophy and unity can triumph over sheer star power, influencing how clubs approach development and strategy moving forward.
