Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a masterful performance, defeating Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semi-final on July 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New York. Led by a brace from Fabian Ruiz, the European champions showcased their dominance, setting up a final clash with Chelsea.
PSG wasted no time asserting their authority, with Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele scoring inside the first nine minutes to stun the 77,542-strong crowd, predominantly Real Madrid supporters. Ruiz added a second goal before halftime, and Goncalo Ramos sealed the rout with a late strike. The victory marks PSG’s third consecutive high-scoring performance in the tournament, following a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan and a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
Under coach Luis Enrique, PSG’s fluidity and attacking prowess were on full display, contrasting sharply with a disjointed Real Madrid side led by new manager Xabi Alonso. The Parisian defence, anchored by Lucas Beraldo in place of the suspended Willian Pacho, remained unbreached, while the attack overwhelmed Real’s backline.
Since Kylian Mbappé left PSG a year ago, they have…
▫️ Won the one trophy he couldn't while he was there: the Champions League
▫️ Knocked his new club, Real Madrid, out of the Club World Cup
💀 pic.twitter.com/C2hiZj2BJm
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 9, 2025Dembele, in his first start since recovering from injury, was a constant threat, adding his 34th club goal since August 2025. Ruiz’s composure and Hakimi’s dynamism further highlighted PSG’s well-oiled machine, positioning them as favourites against Chelsea.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and Mbappe’s Quiet Return
Real Madrid, missing key defenders Dean Huijsen (suspended) and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were outclassed. The return of Kylian Mbappe, who missed the group stage due to illness, failed to spark the Spanish giants. Facing his former club, where he scored a record 256 goals, Mbappe was largely ineffective, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma easily handling his only notable effort.
PSG thrash Real Madrid to book their place in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea 🔥 pic.twitter.com/F644D03fRK
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 9, 2025Real’s attack, featuring Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and young striker Gonzalo Garcia, lacked cohesion. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made two superb early saves, but defensive lapses proved costly. Alonso’s decision to substitute Jude Bellingham and Vinicius after the hour mark signalled surrender, underscoring Real’s transitional phase under his leadership.
PSG’s Club World Cup campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Their historic UEFA Champions League triumph in May 2025, coupled with the French Ligue 1 title, has set the stage for a potential treble. The ease with which they dispatched Real Madrid, a 15-time European champion, underscores their evolution into a formidable force, even without Mbappe, who departed a year ago.
24' PSG 3-0!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Ruiz nets his second of the game with a clinical finish on a lightning-fast counter. 🔴🔵⚡
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #PSGRMA pic.twitter.com/JIl1nunRhN
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 9, 2025Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen and squad depth have made PSG appear unstoppable. A victory over Chelsea on July 13, 2025, would cement their status as global football’s dominant force and mark the first 32-team Club World Cup title.
As PSG prepare for the final, Chelsea will pose a formidable challenge, having just secured their spot in the semi-finals. Real Madrid, meanwhile, must regroup under Alonso, with their focus shifting to domestic and European competitions. The Club World Cup’s inaugural 32-team format has delivered thrilling moments, and the final promises to be a fitting climax.
