Paris Saint-Germain cruised into the final of the FIFA Club World Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the MetLife Stadium, setting up a much-anticipated showdown with Chelsea on Sunday.
The semi-final contest was effectively over within the opening 24 minutes as the Champions League winners ruthlessly exposed a disorganised Real Madrid side.
PSG opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Fabian Ruiz, who tapped in after a catastrophic defensive error from Raul Asencio. The goal stood despite a foul by Thibaut Courtois on Ousmane Dembele in the buildup, with the referee playing advantage.
Just three minutes later, Dembele got on the scoresheet himself, racing clear after Antonio Rudiger’s mis-kick to slot home a composed finish.
Ruiz added his second and PSG’s third before the half-hour mark, capping off a slick one-two between Achraf Hakimi and Dembele that carved open the Madrid defence.
Real Madrid, without the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, struggled to cope with PSG’s relentless pressing and quick transitions.
The French champions added a fourth late on through substitute Goncalo Ramos, sealing an emphatic win that underlined their current dominance in European football.
Kylian Mbappe, now at Real Madrid following his free transfer a year ago, could only watch as his former side produced yet another masterclass. Since his departure, PSG appear to have evolved into a more cohesive and ruthless unit under manager Luis Enrique.
Despite Mbappe’s 48 combined goals and assists for Real in the 2024-25 campaign, the Spanish giants have ended the season without a single trophy.
PSG’s impressive form has seen them claim three trophies in 2025, with the Club World Cup final offering the chance to secure a fourth—five if the Trophée des Champions is included.
Their recent knockout round form has been extraordinary, having beaten Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, Atletico Madrid 4-0, Bayern Munich 2-0 with nine men, and now Real Madrid 4-0—all without conceding a goal.
In fact, PSG have won their last five knockout fixtures across competitions by an aggregate score of 18-0.
While Fabian Ruiz grabbed the headlines with a brace, he was ably supported in midfield and PSG’s front three caused havoc throughout. Achraf Hakimi, especially from right-back, delivered a standout performance that Real failed to contain.
The night also marked an emotional farewell for Luka Modric, who made his 597th and final appearance for Real Madrid. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder is now set to join AC Milan.
The defeat was historic for Real Madrid, who conceded three goals in the first 25 minutes of a match for the first time since November 2003 against Sevilla in La Liga. It also marked their first-ever loss in the Club World Cup.
PSG will now face Chelsea in the final on Sunday in New Jersey, before returning to Europe to open the 2025-26 campaign against Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are scheduled to kick off their La Liga season against Osasuna on 19 August, though the club is reportedly seeking a postponement to allow for a longer summer break.