The Club World Cup 2025 has unveiled its finalists. With Chelsea securing their spot after defeating Fluminense, it was clear that the champion would be European. The clash for the Blues’ opponent turned into an anticipated final showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, a matchup showcasing the best of international football. However, what unfolded was beyond expectations. In a first half displaying excellence, the French team dominated with a stunning 4-0 victory, paving their way to the title match.
On one side stood the standout team of the season, showcasing brilliant football under the helm of Luis Enrique. On the other, the most decorated team of all time, carrying its own weight and history. Despite both teams facing key absences, the match promised high stakes akin to a final. The French side missed suspended players Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, leading to Lucas Beraldo partnering with Marquinhos in defense. For the Spaniards, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury in the last training session, along with Huijsen’s suspension, forced Xabi Alonso to reshuffle his lineup, affecting their gameplay, especially in a disastrous first half for the Whites.
The match kicked off 10 minutes late due to a traffic accident delaying the teams’ arrival at the stadium. In the initial 45 minutes, Real Madrid struggled to make an impact. While PSG’s form hinted at slight favoritism, their overwhelming superiority was surprising. It was a true exhibition by the Champions League winners, exposing their opponent’s vulnerabilities within Xabi Alonso’s evolving process. Both teams initiated with offensive strategies, yet PSG’s was more finely tuned, capitalizing on Real Madrid’s defensive errors. This resulted in two quick goals within the first five minutes of play.
The high pressing game by PSG was in full force, with Fabián Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé capitalizing on defensive mistakes to secure a significant lead early in the match. The Parisian side dominated possession and dictated the game against a fragile and disoriented Real Madrid. Despite attempts by Vinícius, Bellingham, and Mbappé to influence the game, they were unable to shift the tide in their team’s favor. Real Madrid’s struggles were evident as they had significantly fewer passes than their opponents and failed to create impactful chances.
As the second half commenced, hopes for a Real Madrid comeback seemed bleak against a formidable PSG. Although the Madrid side showed signs of resurgence, it was short-lived, with PSG maintaining control and thwarting any potential threats. Despite late substitutions by Luis Enrique, aiming to salvage some pride, Real Madrid failed to pose a real challenge to PSG’s dominance. The Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma had a quiet evening, with Gonçalo Ramos sealing PSG’s 4-0 victory in the final moments.
With this emphatic win, Paris Saint-Germain solidifies their status as favorites, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final for the first time in the competition’s history. Their opponent, Chelsea, awaits them in what promises to be a thrilling encounter to culminate a dream season. The stage is set for an epic showdown on Sunday in New York, where the European monarch has the chance to etch their name in history.
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