The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final is set, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) overpowering Real Madrid 4-0 in their semifinal match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The victory, characterized by a strong offensive display, featured two goals from Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz and one from Ousmane Dembélé in the first half, establishing PSG’s dominance early in the game. In the final minutes, Gonçalo Ramos capped off the scoring, securing PSG’s place in the championship match against Chelsea, who defeated Brazil’s Fluminense in the other semifinal.
The semifinal took place under challenging conditions, with temperatures soaring to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The heat added an extra layer of intensity to a match that already featured two of Europe’s most storied clubs. PSG’s success in this tournament follows their triumph in the UEFA Champions League in May, marking what could be a historic year for the team.
PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “It is a very special moment for us, Parisians, for all the supporters, the entire club. We’re happy, we’re in the final, and it’s been an incredible season. We want to win this final.” His sentiments reflect the aspirations of a club eager to add more silverware to its collection.
The match was particularly noteworthy for Kylian Mbappé, who faced his former club for the first time. Despite the anticipation surrounding his performance, it was Real Madrid’s defensive errors that significantly impacted the game. In the sixth minute, Raúl Asencio, filling in for the suspended Dean Huijsen, hesitated in clearing the ball, allowing Dembélé to seize possession. After being fouled by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the advantage was played, leading to Ruiz’s opening goal.
The situation deteriorated for Madrid just three minutes later when a miscontrolled pass by Antonio Rüdiger allowed Dembélé to recover the ball and score. Minimized by these early mistakes, Madrid struggled to mount a comeback. Despite creating chances, they could not penetrate a PSG defense missing key players Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, both sidelined due to red cards in previous matches.
PSG continued to press their advantage, with a powerful passing sequence resulting in Ruiz’s second goal in the 24th minute. As the match progressed, Madrid’s attacking talent could not capitalize on opportunities, reinforcing PSG’s strong defensive performance. The final blow came during a swift counterattack, leading to Ramos’s goal, celebrated with a poignant tribute to his late teammate, Diogo Jota, who passed away last week.
The victory extends PSG’s impressive run, with six consecutive wins in which they have not conceded a goal. Dembélé’s performance, marked by his 35th goal of the season, positions him as a frontrunner for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
Looking ahead to the final against Chelsea, midfielder Senny Mayulu remarked, “It’s a source of pride to be able to play in a final. We qualified with a big win. We’re very happy about it and we’ll take some time to enjoy it, but also rest and get ready for the final because it’s not over yet.”
This match also marked a significant moment for Real Madrid, as it was the final appearance for club legend Luka Modrić. The Croatian midfielder leaves after a remarkable tenure, having made 597 appearances and winning 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles. Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s manager, acknowledged Modrić’s contributions, stating, “This is not the desired end, it’s a bitter end, but he won’t be remembered for today’s game but for other great ones. He’s a legend of world football and of Real Madrid.”
As PSG prepares for the final on March 15, 2025, they aim to solidify their status as a powerhouse in global football by claiming yet another title. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to what promises to be an exhilarating showdown at MetLife Stadium.
