Paris Saint-Germain crushed Real Madrid 4-0 in a dominant performance during the 2025 Club World Cup semifinal on July 9 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. The match marked Real Madrid’s early elimination and put Brazilian star Vinicius Jr under intense scrutiny from the Spanish press, which criticized his performance and suggested he should be benched. With goals from Fabián Ruiz (twice), Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos, PSG controlled the game from the start, exploiting Real Madrid’s defensive errors to secure a spot in the final against Chelsea. The defeat exposed weaknesses in Xabi Alonso’s squad, while Vini Jr’s lackluster display sparked debates about his current form.
The match was a nightmare for Real Madrid, with PSG scoring just six minutes in after a mistake by Raúl Asencio. Three minutes later, another error, this time by Antonio Rüdiger, allowed Dembélé to double the lead. PSG’s dominance was clear, with 78% possession and 10 shots in the first half, while Real Madrid struggled to advance past midfield. The 80,000-strong Madridista crowd at the stadium fell silent as PSG took control.
Vinicius Jr, one of Real Madrid’s key players, faced particularly harsh criticism. Spanish outlets like Marca and As pointed out his lack of precision and impact, noting he failed to create dangerous plays and made critical errors. The Brazilian, once a decisive force, fell short of expectations in the Club World Cup, raising questions about his starting role.
- Key points from the match:
- PSG’s rout with strategically timed goals.
- Real Madrid’s defensive errors proved costly.
- Vini Jr’s lackluster performance drew media scrutiny.
- Luis Enrique’s tactical superiority over Xabi Alonso.
#LaPortada 🗞️ Un Madrid muy blando… un adiós muy duro pic.twitter.com/hLMDBHtFQY
— MARCA (@marca) July 9, 2025
PSG’s dominance from the opening whistle
PSG took the field with a clear plan: press Real Madrid early and exploit their attackers’ speed. Luis Enrique’s strategy worked flawlessly. Fabián Ruiz, named man of the match, scored the opener after Asencio lost possession to Dembélé. The early goal rattled Real Madrid, who couldn’t respond. At nine minutes, Rüdiger failed to intercept a pass, and Dembélé calmly finished past Thibaut Courtois.
PSG’s intensity didn’t wane. With Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes dominating the flanks, the French side controlled both attack and defense. At 24 minutes, Hakimi’s brilliant run down the right led to Ruiz’s second goal, as he dribbled past Valverde before slotting it home. Real Madrid, shell-shocked, found no answers, and Courtois, despite some saves, couldn’t prevent the rout.
In the second half, PSG managed their lead, while Real Madrid failed to create chances. Gonçalo Ramos, subbed in for Désiré Doué, sealed the scoreline at 87 minutes with a classy finish after a pass from Bradley Barcola. The Parisian fans, though outnumbered, celebrated wildly as their team advanced to the final.
Criticism of Vinicius Jr: a moment of crisis?
Vinicius Jr, once hailed as one of the world’s best, had a night to forget. Subbed off at 64 minutes, the Brazilian couldn’t break through PSG’s defense, particularly Nuno Mendes, who neutralized his runs. The Spanish press was unforgiving. Marca noted his errant passes, lost possession, and lack of threat against Gianluigi Donnarumma.
As, another major Spanish outlet, was even harsher, stating Vini Jr seemed “disconnected” and lacked the persistence that once defined him. The suggestion that he should start on the bench sparked debates among fans and analysts, with some arguing he needs rest to regain confidence.
- Factors fueling criticism of Vini Jr:
- Lack of precision in dribbles and passes.
- Inability to breach PSG’s defense.
- Early substitution, signaling Xabi Alonso’s dissatisfaction.
- Comparison to his performances in prior seasons.
Real Madrid’s tactical struggles
The 4-0 defeat wasn’t just about individual failures like Vini Jr’s but also tactical shortcomings. Xabi Alonso, in his first season as Real Madrid’s coach, ditched the five-defender setup he’d been using, reverting to a back four. The switch left the team exposed, especially against PSG’s rapid attack.
Without the suspended Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid’s defense lacked cohesion. Raúl Asencio, a young center-back, struggled with errors, while Fran García couldn’t contain Hakimi. In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni were outplayed by PSG’s trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz.
The lack of a clear game plan against PSG was also a decisive factor. While Luis Enrique employed high pressing and quick transitions, Alonso seemed hesitant, and Real Madrid failed to impose themselves at any point.
Fan and player reactions
Despite the crushing loss, Real Madrid’s players showed sportsmanship, exchanging handshakes with PSG at the match’s end. Xabi Alonso was seen consoling Luka Modric, who played his final game for the club before transferring to AC Milan. The Madridista fans, though disappointed, acknowledged PSG’s superiority but expressed concern about the team’s upcoming season.
PSG’s supporters, meanwhile, were ecstatic. Captain Marquinhos made a point to salute the Parisian fans at MetLife Stadium, who, despite being a minority, made their presence felt throughout the 90 minutes. The qualification for the final against Chelsea was celebrated as another step toward a historic title.
PSG’s standout performers
Beyond Fabián Ruiz, who scored twice and stole the show, other PSG players shone brightly. Ousmane Dembélé, facing his former teammate Kylian Mbappé, displayed speed and precision, constantly threatening Real Madrid’s defense. Achraf Hakimi, with a 70-meter run that led to the third goal, proved why he’s among the world’s top full-backs.
Nuno Mendes was flawless in defense and attack, shutting down Vinicius Jr while supporting offensive plays. Gianluigi Donnarumma, though rarely tested, made key saves when needed, ensuring PSG kept a clean sheet. The team’s tactical cohesion and individual talent were pivotal to the victory.
PSG’s next steps
With their spot in the final secured, PSG now prepares to face Chelsea on July 13 at MetLife Stadium. Luis Enrique’s side enters as favorites, especially after their commanding display against Real Madrid. The chance to claim a fifth title in the 2024-25 season—after Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, and Trophée des Champions—fuels the team’s motivation.
Chelsea, who defeated Fluminense in the other semifinal, will pose a challenge, but PSG is in top form. Luis Enrique, speaking post-match, praised his players’ commitment and singled out Ousmane Dembélé, who returned from injury to play a crucial role.
Real Madrid’s future after elimination
For Real Madrid, the defeat marks a trophyless season, a rarity for the club. The team now faces a brief break before kicking off the 2025-26 La Liga campaign against Osasuna on August 19. Xabi Alonso, under pressure after the elimination, has hinted at the need for reinforcements and squad adjustments.
Vinicius Jr’s situation will be closely watched. Despite the criticism, the young star has the potential to bounce back. The break could be a chance for him to rebuild confidence and return to the form that earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in past seasons.
PSG’s impressive numbers
The win over Real Madrid added to PSG’s remarkable Club World Cup campaign. In five matches, they scored 12 goals and conceded just one, against Botafogo in the group stage. Their defensive solidity and attacking firepower make Luis Enrique’s side one of the most feared in world football.
- Highlights of PSG’s campaign:
- 12 goals scored in five matches.
- Only one goal conceded, against Botafogo.
- Convincing wins over Atlético Madrid (4-0), Inter Miami (4-0), and Bayern Munich (2-0).
- Fabián Ruiz as the team’s top scorer in the tournament with three goals.
What to expect from the final?
The PSG-Chelsea final promises to be a clash of titans. While PSG rides the momentum of their rout over Real Madrid, Chelsea brings experience and tactical discipline to the table. The matchup will be a chance for PSG to cement their dominance this season and for Luis Enrique to make history with the club.
The 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States, has drawn significant attention but also faced criticism over high initial ticket prices. For the final, prices were adjusted, starting at $312, ensuring greater accessibility. Expectations are high for a packed stadium and a spectacle befitting the tournament.
