PSG Dismantle Real Madrid 4–0 to Book Club World Cup Final with Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, routing the Spanish giants 4–0 in a statement win that sets up a mouthwatering final against Chelsea. With two goals from Fabian Ruiz and strong showings from Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos, the reigning European champions showcased their strength at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, silencing the largely pro-Madrid crowd of over 77,000.

The French side, managed by Luis Enrique, made quick work of their opponents in a performance that emphasized both clinical precision and collective confidence. Ruiz and Dembélé struck within the first nine minutes, stunning Madrid early. Ruiz added a second before halftime, and Ramos rounded off the scoring late to seal a comprehensive win.

A victory over Chelsea on Sunday would complete PSG’s dream season, having already secured their first-ever UEFA Champions League title and the French domestic league crown earlier this year.

Early Blitz Sets the Tone

The match began at a breakneck pace. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced two outstanding saves in the opening minutes, denying both Ruiz and Nuno Mendes. But Madrid’s luck didn’t hold for long.

In the sixth minute, PSG capitalized on defensive lapses as Dembélé pounced on a loose ball in the box. Although Courtois blocked his initial effort, Ruiz was on hand to slot home the rebound. Moments later, a miscontrolled pass from Jude Bellingham allowed Dembélé to break free and calmly place a low shot into the corner for a 2–0 lead.

Dembélé, returning from injury and making his first start of the tournament, looked sharp and energized. His performance added to an impressive tally—marking his 35th club goal since August—and strengthened his candidacy for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Total Control Before Halftime

Real Madrid struggled to contain PSG’s fluid attack and appeared overwhelmed by the pace and intensity. The French side extended their lead in the 26th minute through a brilliantly constructed move. After Mbappé’s deflected shot was collected by Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG quickly transitioned, with Dembélé releasing Achraf Hakimi on the right. Hakimi squared it to Ruiz, who maneuvered around Fede Valverde and tucked in his second of the match.

From there, the match took on a lopsided rhythm. Real Madrid’s forwards, including Kylian Mbappé—starting against his former club for the first time since leaving PSG—were effectively neutralized. Youngster Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Jr. were unable to break through, while Bellingham saw little influence before being substituted just past the hour.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nearly added another before the break, and Desire Doue saw a second-half goal chalked off for offside. The gulf in quality was unmistakable.

Sealing the Rout and Looking Ahead

With Real’s hopes clearly fading, head coach Xabi Alonso made several changes in the second half, including withdrawing Bellingham and Vinicius. The decision signaled a white flag, acknowledging PSG’s dominance and preserving players ahead of domestic commitments.

PSG capped their performance with a late fourth goal in the 87th minute. Substitute Bradley Barcola found Ramos in the box, and the striker calmly turned before firing past Courtois to round off the scoring.

The result was a setback for Real Madrid, who had aimed to add the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup title to their record 15 European Cups. Despite the return of Mbappé and a largely first-choice lineup, Madrid looked disjointed and underprepared against a PSG side operating at peak confidence.

A Season of History in the Making

PSG’s win continues what could become the most decorated campaign in the club’s history. Having cruised past Inter Milan in the Champions League final with a record-setting 5–0 win, followed by a 4–1 demolition of Atlético Madrid in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, their latest triumph over Real Madrid cements their place as the tournament’s team to beat.

Despite the absence of suspended center-back Willian Pacho, PSG’s defense, anchored by Lucas Beraldo, held firm throughout. The balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair has been the hallmark of Luis Enrique’s side, who are now just one match away from completing a historic treble.

Reflecting on the result, Enrique said: “This season has been something special. The players earned this win. Now we turn our focus to Chelsea. One more step, and we make history—then maybe we can enjoy a little vacation.”