PSG dominates Real Madrid, sets up FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final with Chelsea
PSG built a 3-0 lead in 24 minutes, deflating the heavily pro-Madrid crowd. Goncalo Ramos, who subbed on for Dembele early in the second half, added a goal for good measure in the 87th minute.
CATCH - PSG vs REAL MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
Gianluigi Donnarumma parried one early shot by Mbappe and finished with two saves, but the PSG defence was otherwise unbothered en route to its fifth clean sheet in six tournament matches.
Wednesday marked Mbappe's first time facing PSG, for which he scored 256 goals over seven years before joining Madrid a year ago. After coming on as a substitute the past two matches, Mbappe started up front alongside Gonzalo Garcia, but was held off the scoresheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was out of Real Madrid's squad, reportedly due to a training injury.
PSG's attack wasted no time, forcing Courtois to make two difficult saves during the first five minutes. But in the sixth, Dembele robbed Raul Asencio of the ball in the center of the box, tapped it away from Courtois' diving reach and set up Ruiz for a one-timer into the back of the net.
ALSO READ | Luca Modric bids adieu to Real Madrid after FIFA Club World Cup semifinal defeat to PSG
Dembele made Madrid pay again when he closed in on Antonio Rudiger, who proceeded to whiff on a pass attempt in the defensive half. Dembele bolted away and beat Courtois in the bottom left corner for a 2-0 lead less than nine minutes in.
After Mbappe's third shot of the day was blocked, PSG ran out on a clinical counterattack. Achraf Hakimi sprung free down the right side on a give-and-go with Dembele, and Hakimi's cross set up Ruiz's second goal in the 24th minute.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea on Sunday in the final. Chelsea won the title in 2021, while PSG will try to become the first team from France to capture the trophy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Relive PSG's perfect campaign to reach FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final
Paris Saint-Germain have stamped their dominance on the world stage, marching into the FIFA Club World Cup final after a scintillating 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals. With Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France trophies already in their cabinet this season, PSG now have the opportunity to cap off an extraordinary campaign with global glory. A season defined by collective brilliance Following the departures of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, many questioned whether PSG could maintain its elite status. Instead, under the steady leadership of Luis Enrique, the club has responded with a united squad of stars rather than a single superstar. 'We want 11 stars…maybe 14–15 in our squad,' Enrique emphasized at a press conference. 'There isn't a single PSG fan acting as the star, the whole of the Parc des Princes is the star, and that's what we want on the pitch.' Captain Marquinhos, witnessing the transformation firsthand, praised the squad's unity and performance: 'In terms of results, this is definitely the best team I have been in at PSG…Taking it all into consideration, this is the team that has done most collectively.' Final showdown with Chelsea On Sunday, PSG will face Chelsea in what promises to be a tightly contested final at MetLife Stadium. Enrique was quick to caution against complacency: 'If you think this game will be a walk in the park, you really don't know what football is about…Chelsea have talented individuals and they can defend under pressure. Their team is on par with us.' Marquinhos echoed that sentiment, recognizing the rarity and importance of the opportunity: 'It's a golden opportunity in a competition that happens every four years…In a final, it's a 50–50 bet, but we really want this title and that's our mindset at the moment.' A legacy in the making PSG's journey through this global tournament has been a testament to their collective strength, tactical discipline, and unwavering determination. Rather than relying on star power, they have built their success on shared responsibility and depth. As Enrique so aptly put it, this squad is 'above individual players', a cohesive unit destined to leave a lasting legacy. With one match standing between them and history, PSG have a golden chance to complete a historic quadruple and cement their reputation as the world's premier footballing side. PSG road to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
How Chelsea FC booked their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final
Chelsea's invitation to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held during July's expanded, 32-team format, was secured in Porto over four years ago, rewarding their Champions League victory. Placed into Group D, the Blues faced global competition, drawing Flamengo (Brazil), ES Tunis (Tunisia), and Los Angeles FC (USA). Their journey began against LAFC at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opening Victory: LAFC 0–2 Chelsea Following a preseason training stint in Philadelphia, Chelsea made a strong start. Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a clever layoff from Nicolas Jackson. Later, summer signing Liam Delap crossed for Enzo Fernández to bolster the lead. A late cameo from debutant Dario Essugo sealed a controlled 2–0 win, earning confidence and momentum. Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea Back in Philadelphia, the intense East Coast heat, peaking at 39°C, put Maresca's squad under pressure. They started brightly: Neto again scored early. But Flamengo fought back in the second half, with Bruno Henrique leveling, Danilo doubling, and a late goal sealing Flamengo's 3–1 victory. Despite the setback, Chelsea retained second place and a spot in the knockout phase. With qualification pending, Maresca rotated his side. Filip Jørgensen, Josh Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earned starts. Tensions broke as Tosin scored from a Fernández free-kick, and Delap added a second with a composed finish. Tyrique George's late goal rounded off a confident 3-0 win and confirmed Chelsea's progress to the round of 16. Round of 16 Drama: Benfica 1-4 Chelsea In Charlotte, a freekick from captain Reece James punctured the deadlock. Play paused due to a thunderstorm before resuming in extra time. A VAR-awarded penalty brought Benfica within a goal until Prestianni's red card turned the tide. Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall secured a commanding 4-1 win in one of Chelsea's most memorable nights. Quarter-Final Thriller: Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea Returning to Philadelphia, Chelsea faced Brazilian side Palmeiras. A skilful strike by Cole Palmer set the tone. Palmeiras equalized via a formidable effort from teenage sensation Estevão, but Chelsea's resilience showed when Palmeiras' defender Agustín Giay turned a defensive challenge into an own goal. A hard-fought 2-1 win sealed a semi-final berth. Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea Setting up camp in New York at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea faced Fluminense, again in testing heat reaching 35°C. Blues legend Thiago Silva featured in opposition colours. Chelsea's composed display yielded a 2-0 win and booked a spot in the final. From the group stages to the semis, Chelsea combined youth, rotation, and tactical control under Maresca, tackling weather, travel, and top-tier opponents. Their blend of emerging talents and steady leadership has earned a shot at global glory, and given fans a Club World Cup run to savor. Chelsea FC's road to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final LAFC 0–2 Chelsea Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea ES Tunis 0-2 Chelsea Benfica 1-4 Chelsea (Round of 16) Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea (Quarters) Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea (Semi-finals) PSG vs Chelsea
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Reliving PSG's perfect campaign to reach FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final
Paris Saint-Germain have stamped their dominance on the world stage, marching into the FIFA Club World Cup final after a scintillating 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals. With Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France trophies already in their cabinet this season, PSG now have the opportunity to cap off an extraordinary campaign with global glory. A season defined by collective brilliance Following the departures of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, many questioned whether PSG could maintain its elite status. Instead, under the steady leadership of Luis Enrique, the club has responded with a united squad of stars rather than a single superstar. 'We want 11 stars…maybe 14–15 in our squad,' Enrique emphasized at a press conference. 'There isn't a single PSG fan acting as the star, the whole of the Parc des Princes is the star, and that's what we want on the pitch.' Semi-Final statement: Real Madrid rout The semi-final clash in New Jersey showcased PSG at their absolute best. Two goals from Fabián Ruiz, a strike from Ousmane Dembélé, and a late goal sealed a perfect 4-0 victory. Enrique described the win as validation of their collective approach: 'We have been absolutely incredible, we have written history and we want to keep going and win Sunday's game. We need to win to put the icing on the cake.' Captain Marquinhos, witnessing the transformation firsthand, praised the squad's unity and performance: 'In terms of results, this is definitely the best team I have been in at PSG…Taking it all into consideration, this is the team that has done most collectively.' Final showdown with Chelsea On Sunday, PSG will face Chelsea in what promises to be a tightly contested final at MetLife Stadium. Enrique was quick to caution against complacency: 'If you think this game will be a walk in the park, you really don't know what football is about…Chelsea have talented individuals and they can defend under pressure. Their team is on par with us.' Marquinhos echoed that sentiment, recognizing the rarity and importance of the opportunity: 'It's a golden opportunity in a competition that happens every four years…In a final, it's a 50–50 bet, but we really want this title and that's our mindset at the moment.' A legacy in the making PSG's journey through this global tournament has been a testament to their collective strength, tactical discipline, and unwavering determination. Rather than relying on star power, they have built their success on shared responsibility and depth. As Enrique so aptly put it, this squad is 'above individual players', a cohesive unit destined to leave a lasting legacy. With one match standing between them and history, PSG have a golden chance to complete a historic quadruple and cement their reputation as the world's premier footballing side. PSG road to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
