PSG thrash Real 4-0 to storm into CWC final
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Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Enrique says Dembele ticks the boxes needed to win Ballon d'Or
PAMedia/DPA New York Luis Enrique tipped Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or after after another devastating display in Paris St Germain's Club World Cup semi-final rout of Real Madrid. Dembele was on target on his first start of the tournament as the European champions thrashed the Spanish giants 4-0 in New York to power into Sunday's final against Chelsea. Dembele has been outstanding during a campaign in which PSG have already won four trophies and Enrique sees no better candidate for the award of world's best player. The former Spain and Barcelona manager said: 'To win it you have to score goals and get assists and then bring silverware to their team. 'If there is one player who has done all that it is Ousmane Dembele. He is far and away above other players in my opinion.' Dembele's strike came between two from Fabian Ruiz as PSG took charge with three goals inside the first 24 minutes. Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the scoring late on. It was a blistering performance reminiscent of their 5-0 hammering of Inter Milan in the Champions League final. PSG now have the chance to secure an historic quintuple having also won three domestic trophies as well as their European success. Enrique said: 'That was always our objective from the onset. It's very difficult to achieve. We're one win away from building history and that's very significant for us and our fans. 'Its my absolute pleasure to have worked in Paris.' Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admitted defeat was a painful experience but is convinced he has the materials to build a strong side. The former Real and Liverpool midfielder succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in May at the end of a disappointing domestic season in which the club failed to win a trophy. Alonso said: 'PSG are playing at a top, top level. We are not the first to have a big defeat against them. It was really tough to play against them. 'It is a painful defeat, we have to admit, that but this will tell us the areas we need to improve. It is going to be a challenge but we will face that.' The game marked a sad end to veteran midfielder Luka Modric's illustrious 13-year career with Real, in which he won 28 trophies. The Croatian, who came off the bench for the last 26 minutes, is set to join AC Milan before next season. 'He will be remembered as a football icon,' said Alonso. 'He will not be remembered for today's match.'
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Messi makes MLS history in Miami win over New England
PA Media/dpa London Lionel Messi became the first MLS player in league history to score multiple goals in four consecutive matches as Inter Miami beat New England Revolution 2-1. The Argentine international opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner of the box at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. He followed up just before half-time, converting a through ball from Sergio Busquets. Messi had two more shots on target blocked in the second half, but Miami would not find the net for the remainder of the game. Carles Gil got New England on the board in the 80th minute, firing a right-footer from outside the box. The win leaves Inter Miami fifth in the Eastern Conference, with games in hand on the sides above them following their Club World Cup exploits. Messi also scored twice against Montreal last week in his club's first outing after their exit from the Club World Cup. Miami host Nashville SC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Alonso announces Real ‘restart from zero' after PSG defeat
dpa East Rutherford, New Jersey New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has insisted that his real work at the club only starts now. Speaking after a comprehensive 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Alonso announced 'a restart from zero.' Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti just before the tournament in the United States with no time to implement his ideas. 'We are in a competitive environment here, without proper training,' Alonso said. 'It's the end of this season and not the start of the next. We'll take the positives from this Club World Cup period. We're leaving as a better team. It's a starting point for a better start next season.' Alonso arrived from Bayer Leverkusen at the record Champions League winners he played for in the past. Wednesday's defeat was his first since in charge, and it was a painful one as PSG were 2-0 up after nine minutes after defensive mistakes, and led 3-0 another 15 minutes later. Alonso named the defeat 'painful' as PSG's collective coached by Luis Enrique destroyed Real almost in the same way as they did in their 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the May 31 Champions League final. While PSG now aim for the quadruple on Sunday against Chelsea, having also won the French league and cup, Alonso must form a team from such skilled individuals including ex-PSG star Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior after a season without silverware. 'This tournament has taught me many things about what we are and what we have to improve,' he said. 'We want to build a team that plays as a unit and where everyone is involved.' Success won't come instantly from next season onwards, Alonso warned, saying: 'It's the first defeat, but it won't be the last. Anyone who thinks they'll never lose is deluding themselves. 'It's what we have to do and tomorrow we start a period of rest and recharging our brains. We can't forget today's game, but we can't let this game drag us down either.' The restart could also include reinforcements, as Alonso said: 'We haven't talked about it during the Club World Cup, but from now on we're open to making improvements. We are always looking to improve and there's room for improvement.'
