TL;DR
- Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal.
- Fabián Ruiz scored twice, with additional goals from Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos.
- PSG advances to face Chelsea in the final, aiming to complete a historic treble after winning the UEFA Champions League in May.
- The match was also Luka Modrić’s final appearance for Real Madrid.
- Despite the heat and hostile crowd, Luis Enrique’s side extended its clean sheet streak to six matches.
A Statement Win on the Global Stage
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding performance at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, defeating Real Madrid 4-0 to book a place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. Under sweltering 90°F (32°C) conditions, PSG executed an emphatic victory, led by Fabián Ruiz, who scored twice in the opening half.
They will now face Chelsea FC on Sunday in the final, following the Premier League side’s semifinal win over Brazil’s Fluminense.
Dembélé and Ruiz Dominate Real’s Defense
The match was billed as a heavyweight clash, but it was PSG’s relentless intensity and Real Madrid’s early defensive errors that tilted the balance quickly.
In just the sixth minute, Raúl Asencio, deputizing for the suspended Dean Huijsen, mishandled the ball inside his box. Ousmane Dembélé pounced, and after being brought down by Thibaut Courtois, the referee played advantage as Ruiz calmly finished.
Moments later, Antonio Rüdiger lost control under pressure, allowing Dembélé to intercept and bury PSG’s second goal. By the 24th minute, another incisive passing move led to Achraf Hakimi assisting Ruiz for his second.
Despite being shorthanded in defense — with Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández suspended — PSG maintained structure and intensity.
Gonçalo Ramos Seals It, Honors Diogo Jota
Late in the match, PSG countered with precision, and Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth goal. His celebration, mimicking a video game pose, was a tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash last week.
Ramos’s performance reflected the team’s focus and emotional motivation, turning personal grief into professional determination.
The Data
| Match Metric | Value | Source |
| Final Score | PSG 4 – Real Madrid 0 | FIFA |
| Stadium Attendance | 77,542 | CNN |
| Heat Index | 90°F / 32°C | CNN Weather |
| Clean Sheets in Last 6 Matches | 6 | UEFA |
| Dembélé’s Goals This Season | 35 (Previous high: 14) | Transfermarkt |
| Luka Modrić’s Real Madrid Career | 597 appearances, 28 trophies, 6 UCL titles | Real Madrid |
Luis Enrique: “A Beautiful Moment for All Parisians”
Following the win, PSG head coach Luis Enrique praised the squad’s focus and adaptability under brutal conditions.
“It is a very special moment for all Parisians, for the supporters and the club,” Enrique stated. “Despite the heat, we kept fighting. We want to win this final — it’s been an incredible season.”
PSG has maintained a perfect post-season run since winning the Champions League in May and could now secure global supremacy with one more win.
Mbappé Faces Former Club, But Real Self-Destructs
A major storyline heading into the match was Kylian Mbappé’s reunion with Real Madrid, the club he left last season. Ironically, he played a relatively muted role in a game dominated by midfielders and opportunistic forwards.
Instead, the match will be remembered for Real Madrid’s early defensive collapse — two turnovers in the opening 10 minutes gifted PSG a two-goal cushion that Madrid never recovered from.
Luka Modrić’s Farewell Ends in Disappointment
For Madrid fans, the night carried bittersweet significance as Luka Modrić made his final appearance after 12 seasons. The Croatian legend leaves as the club’s most decorated player, with 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles and the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
Modrić is now set to sign with AC Milan, continuing his playing career in Serie A.
“This is not the end we wanted,” Real manager Xabi Alonso said. “But he’s a legend — not for today, but for a thousand other games.”
PSG and Chelsea Set for a Historic Final
Sunday’s final will pit PSG against Chelsea FC, marking the first Club World Cup final between two UEFA teams since the tournament’s expansion.
Chelsea advanced by defeating Fluminense on Tuesday, but will enter the final as underdogs against a PSG squad in ruthless form. PSG’s six straight wins — all without conceding a goal — highlight the team’s balance across attack and defense.
Ousmane Dembélé, now with 35 goals this season, is a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or if PSG secures the world title.
Conclusion: A Season for the Ages
Whether it’s Ruiz’s brace, Dembélé’s record-breaking year, or Ramos’s tribute, PSG’s Club World Cup campaign reflects a team hitting its peak on all levels — tactically, emotionally, and competitively.
With the chance to crown their Champions League-winning season with world champion status, PSG appears ready to complete a historic treble and rewrite the narrative of European dominance on the global stage.
