In a highly anticipated Club World Cup semifinal that pitted Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid, featuring their recent iconic player Kylian Mbappe, the contest swiftly transformed into a one-sided demonstration. PSG delivered a resounding 4-0 defeat, showcasing a level of tactical discipline and attacking efficiency that left the Spanish giants, quite literally, chasing shadows.
Despite both teams experiencing pre-match delays, reportedly due to traffic congestion on the way to MetLife Stadium – perhaps an early metaphor for Madrid`s subsequent difficulties navigating PSG`s defense – it was PSG who adapted instantly. The Parisian side wasted no time, with Fabian Ruiz opening the scoring just six minutes into the match. This early strike set the tone for a performance where PSG repeatedly capitalized on Real Madrid`s errors.
Real Madrid, missing key players including Willian Pacho and Dean Huijsen through suspension, and Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury concerns, appeared disjointed. Their struggles were compounded by strategic choices. Ousmane Dembele, continuing his impressive run of form, exploited a defensive lapse from Antonio Rudiger to add PSG`s second. Not long after, Ruiz completed his brace, extending the lead to 3-0 within a mere 24 minutes. Clinical finishing punished Madrid`s uncharacteristic fragility.
For Xabi Alonso`s Real Madrid, still finding their rhythm and tactical identity, this match served as a significant reality check. While pre-match travel issues might have been a minor factor, their tactical setup, particularly the reported shift to a back four for the match, seemed ill-suited against Luis Enrique`s well-drilled PSG side. This tournament has been a period of experimentation for Madrid, highlighting that their comfort and effectiveness often lie with a back three, allowing their wing-backs more attacking freedom. The need for squad adjustments to fully support different systems seems apparent, especially with potential player departures on the horizon.
Meanwhile, PSG`s performance underscored their evolution under Luis Enrique. Having recently secured their historic first Champions League title, the team is operating at a high level of cohesion and tactical maturity. This victory, even in their 64th competitive fixture of the season, demonstrated impressive stamina and a focus on collective strength over individual brilliance – a notable shift from previous eras featuring superstar trios. Enrique has successfully fostered a team culture that prioritizes structure and work rate, proving highly effective on the biggest stages.
The narrative layer of Kylian Mbappe facing his former club added significant intrigue. Making his first start of the tournament for Real Madrid against the team where he achieved global superstardom, Mbappe was unable to influence the game`s outcome. PSG`s dominant display, culminating in a four-goal margin against a side featuring their recently departed talisman, serves as a powerful statement: PSG has successfully moved forward and can thrive without relying on Mbappe`s unique talents. One might observe, with a touch of irony, that PSG were perhaps not the most hospitable hosts to their former captain`s return.
Looking ahead, PSG`s emphatic semifinal victory positions them strongly as they advance to face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, aiming to secure another historic title for the club. For Real Madrid, this defeat, their first under Alonso, provides valuable, albeit harsh, lessons. It offers clear insights into tactical vulnerabilities and potential squad requirements as they look to refine their system and bridge the gap demonstrated by PSG in this decisive encounter.
