
For all the talk of a youthful rebuild and superstar firepower, Real Madrid were outclassed from start to finish by a ruthless Paris Saint-Germain side that barely got out of third gear. On a sweltering evening at MetLife Stadium, PSG raced into a 3-0 lead inside 24 minutes and never looked back, booking their place in the Club World Cup final with a commanding 4-0 victory.
Madrid stunned by PSG’s early onslaught
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing from close range after a chaotic sequence in the box. Just moments later, Ousmane Dembele capitalized on a Rudiger error and made it two with a composed finish. By the 24th minute, Ruiz bagged a brace.
Madrid were rattled. Even Thibaut Courtois, who made two outstanding early saves, couldn’t hold back the wave. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were anonymous. Vinicius Jr, tried on the right wing, was ineffective. Xabi Alonso, in his first major test as Real Madrid manager, looked powerless as PSG sliced through his midfield and defense.
The second half brought about changes, but there was little improvement. Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric made sentimental cameos. Lucas Vázquez was given what is expected to be a farewell appearance. Still, Madrid created zero big chances. PSG, meanwhile, cruised, rotating key players and conserving energy for the final.
Barcola, Bradley, and Lee Kang-in all impressed in cameos, and Ramos’s late fourth goal punctuated a dominant night.
Chelsea await in Sunday’s final.
Madrid and Alonso have major questions to answer.
The final whistle blew at 90:04. The humiliation was complete.
PSG blow away Real Madrid to reach Club World Cup final