PSG – Real Madrid Game Today: Club World Cup Semifinal Showdown
Pre‑Match Context and Stakes
The tension is palpable at MetLife Stadium as Paris Saint‑Germain take on Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. PSG, fresh off an impressive treble (Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League), aim for the crown of global supremacy. Real Madrid, under the new stewardship of Xabi Alonso, are desperate to break last season’s trophy drought with their sixth Club World Cup title.
Featuring dramatic storylines—PSG’s red-hot form versus a youth-driven Madrid rebuild—this match carries heavy implications: the victor will face Chelsea in the final.
Tactical Battles and Lineups
Here's how both sides shape up:
| Team | Formation | Key Players | Notable Absences |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 4‑3‑3 | Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia | Suspended: Pacho, Lucas Hernández |
| Real Madrid | 4‑3‑1‑2 | Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Asencio, Fran García; Guler, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vini J. | Missing: Huijsen (susp.), Alaba, Mendy, Camavinga (injured) |
PSG’s setup
Luis Enrique will rely on a high-pressing attack. Donnarumma in goal has kept multiple clean sheets, while midfield maestro Ruiz and dynamic duo Doué and Neves will provide control. Up front, speed and skill from Dembélé (~34 goals last 12 months and Kvaratskhelia give PSG a potent edge.
Real Madrid’s gamble
Xabi Alonso faces defensive turbulence without Huijsen. Expect Valverde or Tchouaméni to fill the void. The frontline boasts firepower with Mbappé (back from illness) and Vini Jr, supported by midfield anchors Bellingham and Guler. However, defensive cohesion under pressure remains a concern.
What to Watch – Key Storylines
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Mbappé vs. PSG
Former Paris starlet Mbappé faces his old club tonight. Fit again, he joins forces with Vinícius and Gonzalo—a tactical masterclass from Alonso. -
Midfield battle
PSG’s midfield depth tested against Madrid’s Bellingham‑Valverde partnership. Control of possession and tempo here could define the contest. -
Defensive fragility
Both teams have shaken back‑lines: PSG missing starters due to red cards; Madrid hit by suspensions/injuries. Mistakes could prove costly.
Pre‑Match Predictions & Odds
Bookmakers favor PSG, crediting their dominant form and structural stability.
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Correct score odds: PSG 3‑1 Real Madrid.
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Betting tip: Goals Over 3.5 at ~29/20.
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Some expect a tactical duel leading to a low‑score game due to PSG’s defensive solidity and Madrid’s adaptation under Alonso .
Post‑Match Recap – PSG Dominance Emerges
PSG delivered an emphatic 4‑0 thrashing of Real Madrid – a statement win cementing their status as the tournament favorite.
Goals breakdown:
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Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring at 6′, capitalizing on Raúl Asencio’s defensive slip.
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Minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé seized a mispass to double the lead.
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Ruiz struck again in the 24th minute, finishing from close range.
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Late sub Gonçalo Ramos sealed the rout in the 87th minute.
Tactical analysis
PSG’s high press unsettled Madrid from the first whistle. Defensive lapses—particularly from Asencio and Rüdiger—were ruthlessly punished. Donnarumma remained largely untested, while PSG’s control of midfield ensured the attacking trio remained potent every time Madrid reached their half.
Alonso’s four‑man defense, without Huijsen, collapsed under pressure, cavorting the vulnerability of Madrid’s reshuffled backline. PSG merit praise for both tactical planning and execution.
Takeaways
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PSG are in prime position, their attacking balance, pressing intensity, and tactical adaptability shining through.
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Real Madrid, though courageous under a new system, exposed their defensive frailties—especially when early goals compounded pressure.
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Player of the Match: Fabián Ruiz, whose brace set the tone and left Madrid chasing shadows.
Looking Ahead
PSG advance to the Club World Cup final to face Chelsea. Their blend of squad depth and seamless tactical execution makes them strong favorites. For Madrid, this is a harsh but valuable lesson under Alonso—experience they’ll carry into the next European season.
Both teams leave with contrasting trajectories: PSG ascend as global heavyweights; Madrid must regroup and bolster their defense in time for upcoming challenges.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s clash reinforced PSG’s rising dominance and showcased the risks Madrid take when transitioning under a new manager. While the dream of global glory remains, Real must address structural weaknesses highlighted in this defeat. PSG, meanwhile, stride confidently toward a potential quadruple—Champions League, domestic double, and the Club World Cup title.
