PSG’s deadly counter-attack: Fabián Ruiz and Dembélé punish Real Madrid in Club World Cup Por Luís Henrique Costa
5 min de leitura
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Paris Saint-Germain surged to a 3-0 lead over Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With a devastating counter-attack, the French side exploited defensive errors, led by Fabián Ruiz, who scored twice, and Ousmane Dembélé, who also found the net. The match, delayed by 10 minutes due to a traffic accident near the stadium, remains ongoing at the 26-minute mark of the first half. PSG, in its best-ever season, aims for a final berth against Chelsea, while Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, fights to claw back. The game has drawn global attention, with celebrities like Jay-Z in attendance.
The clash began with intensity, and PSG quickly set the tone. At 2 minutes, Kvaratskhelia nearly scored, but his shot skimmed the post. PSG’s pressure paid off as Real Madrid’s defense faltered. Fabián Ruiz capitalized on Asencio’s mistake to open the scoring at 5 minutes. Three minutes later, Dembélé doubled the lead, cementing PSG’s dominance. Real Madrid countered with Mbappé and Vini Jr., but they were thwarted by a stout defense and Donnarumma’s saves. At 24 minutes, Fabián Ruiz struck again, solidifying PSG’s grip.
- Key PSG moments: Goals from Fabián Ruiz (5’ and 24’) and Dembélé (8’).
- Defensive standout: Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes neutralized Vini Jr. and Mbappé.
- Real’s errors: Asencio and Rüdiger’s mistakes proved costly.
The vibrant MetLife Stadium crowd reflects the match’s magnitude. While PSG showcases its strength, Real Madrid must find answers to avoid elimination.
PSG at its peak
Paris Saint-Germain is enjoying a historic season. After crushing Internazionale 5-0 in the Champions League, the French club won every competition entered this season, except for a 1-0 loss to Botafogo in the Club World Cup group stage. Their campaign in this tournament has been dominant, with wins over Atlético de Madrid, Inter Miami, and Bayern Munich.
Dembélé, back from injury for this match, proved his worth with his speed and precision on the second goal. Fabián Ruiz, with two goals, anchors the midfield alongside Vitinha and João Neves. The defense, led by Marquinhos, has been impeccable, shutting down Real Madrid’s stars.
Coach Luis Enrique’s strategy of rapid transitions exposed Real’s weaknesses. The attacking trio of Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé gave PSG the versatility to press from the start.
Real Madrid under pressure
Real Madrid, in contrast, has endured a mixed season. Without major titles in 2024/25 and losses to Barcelona in two finals, Xabi Alonso’s side reached the semifinal with strong wins over Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, but defensive lapses against PSG exposed their vulnerabilities.
Mbappé, returning to the starting lineup after a bout of gastroenteritis, had a clear chance at 22 minutes but was stopped by the defense. Vini Jr., another expected standout, couldn’t break through Nuno Mendes. Luka Modric’s absence from the starting lineup, with a potential farewell looming if Real loses, adds pressure to the midfield.
- Real Madrid’s challenges:
- Defensive errors by Asencio and Rüdiger led to goals.
- Lack of precision in Mbappé and Vini Jr.’s finishing.
- Urgency to respond before halftime.
The Merengue fans, out in force, try to rally the team, but the odds are steep.
Minute-by-minute: key moments
The match has been packed with high-octane action. Below are the standout plays up to the 26th minute of the first half:
- 2’: Kvaratskhelia bursts into the box and shoots just wide of the post.
- 5’: Fabián Ruiz scores after Asencio’s error gifts the ball to Dembélé.
- 8’: Dembélé extends the lead, capitalizing on Rüdiger’s mistake and finishing past Courtois.
- 22’: Mbappé steals the ball, dribbles through, but shoots into the defense.
- 24’: Fabián Ruiz nets his second, finishing Hakimi’s cross with a perfect touch.
These moments highlight PSG’s tactical edge, punishing Real Madrid’s errors.
Individual standouts
Fabián Ruiz is undeniably the match’s star so far. The Spanish midfielder, with two goals, blends vision, precise passing, and clinical finishing. Dembélé’s explosiveness unsettled Real’s defense. For Real Madrid, Mbappé strives to spark a comeback but struggles against Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes.
Courtois, despite conceding three, made crucial saves, like stopping Nuno Mendes at 4 minutes. Without those, the scoreline could be worse.
The stage of the showdown
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one of the world’s premier venues, has hosted major sporting events. With over 82,000 seats, it’s packed for this semifinal. Celebrities like Jay-Z, who greeted Vini Jr. pre-match, underscore the event’s prestige.
The 10-minute delay due to a nearby traffic accident didn’t dampen the fans’ enthusiasm. FIFA’s organization ensured the game proceeded smoothly.
What lies ahead
With PSG in control, Real Madrid must shore up its defense and sharpen its attack. Xabi Alonso may turn to Modric in the second half to shift the momentum. PSG, brimming with confidence, will likely keep pressing to secure a final spot.
The semifinal remains open, but PSG is closer to facing Chelsea in the final. The match, still in the first half, promises more drama.
