Fabián Ruiz shines after Asencio’s mistake and puts PSG ahead of Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup

In New Jersey, Paris Saint-Germain took the lead against Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. At the 5th minute of the first half, Fabián Ruiz scored after a blunder by defender Asencio, who gifted the ball to Dembelé in the box. The match, which started at 4:10 PM due to a delay caused by a traffic accident near the stadium, is still ongoing, with PSG pressing. The clash features stars like Mbappé, back in Real Madrid’s starting lineup, and Dembelé, recovered from injury for PSG. The game will decide who faces Chelsea in the final.

The duel kicked off with intensity, both teams creating chances early on. PSG, enjoying the best season in its history, showed tactical discipline under Luis Enrique. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, aims to overturn the deficit after a season marked by setbacks, including losses to Barcelona. The presence of celebrities like rapper Jay-Z and the fervent crowd at the stadium add extra excitement to the matchup.

The semifinal match drew global attention, with MetLife Stadium packed. The 10-minute delay due to logistical issues didn’t dampen the initial pace. Here are the key moments from the opening minutes:

• 1’: Tchouaméni shoots from distance, but the ball goes wide of Donnarumma’s goal.
• 2’: Kvaratskhelia breaks into the box and shoots low, hitting the net on the outside.
• 3’: Fabián Ruiz forces Courtois into a great save with a shot from the edge of the box.
• 4’: Dembelé misses a golden chance after Hakimi’s cross, with Courtois saving Real Madrid.
• 5’: PSG scores! Fabián Ruiz capitalizes on Asencio’s error to score with an open goal.

PSG’s early pressure

PSG came out aggressive, leveraging Dembelé’s return to the starting lineup. The forward, fresh from injury recovery, was pivotal in the goal, challenging Courtois and leaving the ball for Fabián Ruiz. Kvaratskhelia’s speed on the left and João Neves’ solidity in midfield underscored PSG’s early dominance. Marquinhos, in defense, neutralized Mbappé’s attempts, who faces his former club for the first time as a starter in the tournament.

Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 setup allowed PSG to control possession in the opening minutes. High pressing disrupted Real Madrid’s build-up play, especially after Asencio’s mistake, which exposed the Spanish side’s backline. PSG, fresh off a Champions League rout against Internazionale, shows composure in high-stakes moments.

Real Madrid fights back

Despite conceding, Real Madrid didn’t crumble. Mbappé’s return from gastroenteritis brought hope to the Spanish fans. At the 4th minute, he shot after a cross from Arda Güler, but Donnarumma held firm. Xabi Alonso’s lineup, with Valverde at right-back, aims for attacking flair but leaves defensive gaps, as seen in the goal.

Real Madrid, which dispatched Juventus and Borussia Dortmund convincingly in prior rounds, faces a tougher test in the semifinal. A trophyless season adds pressure, with Vini Jr. and Bellingham tasked with sparking a comeback. The vocal crowd at MetLife Stadium keeps supporting, but the team needs to tighten its marking to stop PSG’s momentum.

Defining moments

The opening minutes featured high-octane action, with Courtois and Donnarumma standing out. The Real Madrid goalkeeper prevented a wider scoreline with crucial saves, while PSG’s Italian keeper ensured stability against sparse attacks. Key plays so far:

• 1’: Tchouaméni tries from range, missing the target.
• 2’: Kvaratskhelia shoots dangerously but off-target.
• 3’: Fabián Ruiz tests Courtois with a well-placed shot.
• 4’: Courtois makes a miraculous save on Dembelé’s close-range effort.
• 5’: Fabián Ruiz opens the scoring after Asencio’s blunder.

The refereeing has kept the game under control, with no cards or controversies yet. The fast pace suggests more thrills are ahead in the first half.

Semifinal context

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, showcases the world’s top teams, and the PSG-Real Madrid semifinal is a highlight. PSG enters as favorites, boasting a stellar campaign with dominant wins over Atlético de Madrid, Inter Miami, and Bayern Munich. Real Madrid, despite overcoming challenges like a red card against Pachuca, faces the task of neutralizing PSG’s potent attack.

MetLife Stadium, with over 80,000 seats, hosts a spectacle beyond the pitch. Jay-Z’s pre-game interaction with Vini Jr. and Jobe Bellingham’s presence, supporting his brother Jude, highlight the event’s global appeal. The 10-minute delay due to a nearby traffic accident was quickly overshadowed by the fans’ enthusiasm.

Individual standouts

Fabián Ruiz, the goal scorer, is in top form for PSG. The Spanish midfielder, with sharp vision and precise finishing, anchors the midfield. Dembelé proved his recovery, constantly threatening on the right. For Real Madrid, Mbappé aims to make an impact against his former club but struggles against Marquinhos and Beraldo, who replaces the suspended Pacho in defense.

Courtois, despite conceding, remains a key figure for Real Madrid with game-saving stops. Vini Jr., managed by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, seeks space to create but faces a disciplined PSG defense. Modric’s experience, potentially in his final Real Madrid match if they lose, adds emotional weight to the clash.

What’s next in the match

PSG keeps pressing, exploiting Real Madrid’s defensive lapses, while the Spanish side banks on Mbappé and Vini Jr.’s speed to equalize. The semifinal remains open, with both teams trading chances and showcasing technical quality. The packed MetLife Stadium anticipates a game decided by fine margins, with moments that could become iconic in Club World Cup history.

The showdown, pitting two European giants, has all the makings of a classic. Star-studded lineups, including Kvaratskhelia, Bellingham, and Vitinha, ensure a high-level spectacle. The match continues, with more drama expected in the coming minutes.