PSG thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 to reach the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
Fabian Ruiz starred with two goals as PSG dominated from kickoff to final whistle.
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, storming into the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final, where they will face Premier League side Chelsea.
In front of a crowd of 77,542 spectators, the French champions dismantled the Spanish giants with a first-half masterclass, led by midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who netted twice. Ousmane Dembele added one of his own, and Goncalo Ramos came off the bench to complete the rout late in the game.
It was a night to forget for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, whose side never recovered from two early defensive errors that set the tone for a relentless PSG onslaught.
The match got off to a chaotic start for Real Madrid. Just six minutes in, Raul Asencio’s poor clearance handed Dembele a chance in the box. Though Courtois blocked his initial shot, the rebound fell kindly to Fabian Ruiz, who slotted home calmly to give PSG the lead.
Only three minutes later, it was Antonio Rudiger’s turn to blunder. His misplaced pass allowed Dembele to cut inside the penalty area and drill a powerful finish past Courtois, doubling the lead and leaving Real Madrid’s defense in shambles.
Before the half-hour mark, Achraf Hakimi surged down the right wing, delivering a low ball that Ruiz collected. The Spanish midfielder calmly held off Asensio and curled in his second goal of the night in the 24th minute to make it 3-0 for PSG.
The first-half stats told the whole story: PSG had 76.5% possession and 11 shots (six on target) compared to Madrid’s solitary shot on goal. The scoreboard and play painted a picture of total domination by the Parisians.
With a comfortable lead at the break, Luis Enrique used the second half to rotate his squad, preparing for the final while still maintaining intensity. Dembele, Ruiz, and Kvaratskhelia were subbed off to standing ovations, making way for Barcola, Ramos, and Zaire-Emery.
While Real Madrid tried to respond, with substitutes Modric, Militao, Diaz, and Carvajal entering the fray, the damage had been done. Real Madrid looked sharper in the second half but lacked composure and creativity in the final third. Vinicius Jr., Bellingham, and others couldn’t break through a disciplined PSG backline led by Marquinhos and Beraldo.
In the 87th minute, Goncalo Ramos got on the scoresheet to make it 4-0, finishing a quick move that started with a driving run by Bradley Barcola. His left-footed turn and strike flew past Courtois, triggering wild celebrations among PSG fans, who had long started partying in the New Jersey heat.
The Portuguese forward celebrated with a FIFA-style tribute to the late Diogo Jota, a nod that resonated with supporters and underscored the emotion behind the team’s unity.
After the final whistle, PSG boss Luis Enrique praised his team’s complete performance:
“It is always tough against Real Madrid, but we started strongly and maintained that energy. It’s our 64th match of the season it’s been intense. But this is a special group. We’ve worked for two years for this moment.”
He singled out Dembele, who scored his 35th goal of the season:
“He was playing as a regular for the first time in this tournament after recovering from injury. He has given everything this season. He deserves every accolade.”
Fabian Ruiz, named Player of the Match, said it was a “perfect performance”:
“It was very hot, but we handled it well. It’s not just about my goals we did everything right as a team. Now, we focus on Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso offered a sobering assessment:
“We were hit early, and it was difficult to come back. PSG has been building something; we are just getting started. This is the end of a long season, and we need a break to reset and learn from this.”
The stage is now set for an all-European final on Sunday, July 13, where Chelsea will face PSG at the same venue. For PSG, it’s a chance to win a fourth major trophy this season, having already clinched the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League.
For Chelsea, the final offers a chance at redemption and a second Club World Cup title following their 2021 triumph.
With both teams in red-hot form and boasting attacking firepower, fans can expect a blockbuster finale to what has been hailed as football’s first billion-dollar tournament.
