PSG Dominates Real Madrid to Secure Club World Cup Final Spot

Fabián Ruiz Shines with Two Goals in 4-0 Victory

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a stunning display of skill and strategy, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over Real Madrid with a decisive 4-0 victory in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz was the standout performer, scoring two goals in a first-half onslaught that left the Spanish giants reeling.

Early Goals Set the Tone

The match began with PSG capitalizing on defensive blunders from Real Madrid. Just six minutes in, Raúl Asencio‘s miscontrol allowed Ousmane Dembélé to seize the ball. Although Dembélé’s initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, Ruiz was quick to react, tapping in the rebound into an empty net.

Three minutes later, another error from Madrid’s defense, this time a misplaced pass by Antonio Rüdiger, gifted Dembélé an unmarked opportunity in the box. He made no mistake, slotting the ball past Courtois to double PSG’s lead.

Ruiz struck again in the 24th minute, finishing off a brilliant run by Achraf Hakimi. Holding off Asencio with a deft feint, Ruiz found the back of the net, putting PSG firmly in control.

The Final Nail in the Coffin

As the match progressed, PSG continued to dominate, with substitute Gonçalo Ramos adding a fourth goal just three minutes before the final whistle. Real Madrid, lacking any significant attacking threat, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match.

“It was an incredible match, brilliant win,” Ruiz stated post-game. “Even under scorching heat, the team responded really well. We made a perfect game and beat a top-level rival like Real Madrid in a great way. It’s job well done.”

Tactical Missteps for Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s manager, Xabi Alonso, faced criticism for his tactical choices. Missing key players like suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso opted for a four-man defense that proved ineffective against PSG’s relentless attack.

“At the beginning, the setback was strong enough with a 2-0 down. We knew that the task was really tough,” Alonso reflected. “We take lessons from today.”

PSG’s Unyielding Attack

From the opening whistle, PSG showcased their attacking prowess, with Dembélé nearly scoring in the fourth minute. Courtois was forced into action multiple times, making several impressive saves, but he could not stop the flood of goals that followed.

Despite having Kylian Mbappé back in the lineup after illness, Real Madrid struggled to create meaningful chances, with PSG’s defense, led by Gianluigi Donnarumma, remaining resolute.

Looking Ahead

With this emphatic victory, PSG now prepares to face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, aiming to add another trophy to their impressive collection. The French champions, fresh off a 5-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month, are riding high on confidence.

As the dust settles on this match, both teams will reflect on their performances, with PSG celebrating a well-deserved win and Real Madrid looking to regroup for future challenges.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.