Chijioke Gabriel
Paris Saint-Germain are on the cusp of global football supremacy after ruthlessly dispatching Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday night. The emphatic victory under the lights of MetLife Stadium sets up a tantalizing final against Chelsea on Sunday, where Luis Enrique’s relentless side will aim to crown their historic campaign with one last triumph.
In what was billed as a heavyweight encounter, PSG wasted no time asserting dominance. Within just 18 minutes, they had buried three goals past a shell-shocked Madrid side—leaving no doubt about who the better team was.
Midfielder Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring early after pouncing on a defensive blunder, and within moments, Ousmane Dembélé capitalised on another lapse to double the lead. The third, again from Ruiz, was a fluid team goal that underlined PSG’s precision and poise. Gonçalo Ramos added a fourth in the second half, ensuring a humiliating night for Xabi Alonso’s men.
Returning from injury, Dembélé looked every bit a Ballon d’Or contender as he notched his 35th goal of the season. Luis Enrique was quick to praise his winger, describing him as “the best player this season by a long way” and crediting his influence on PSG’s trophy-laden run.
“We’ve had a special season, a special moment,” Enrique said. “Ousmane gave everything to this team. It’s only right that he gets recognition.”
The PSG boss, who has already overseen a domestic double and a Champions League title, said his players were now focused on making history with one final push against Chelsea.
For Real Madrid, the night was a sobering reminder of how much work lies ahead. The Spanish giants, who had high hopes under new manager Xabi Alonso, were outplayed and outpaced at every turn. Despite a late appearance from veteran Luka Modric in what was his final match for the club, there was no salvaging pride.
“This is a tough loss,” Alonso admitted post-match. “But we need to learn. PSG are a team that has been building for years. We’re just starting.”
Modric, who received emotional applause at full-time, departs as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. Alonso paid tribute to his former teammate, calling him a “legend of football.”
With their place in the final now secured, PSG turn their attention to Chelsea—a side that has impressed in their own right under Enzo Maresca. Kick-off is set for 8pm on Sunday at the same stadium, and if Wednesday’s performance is anything to go by, PSG will enter as clear favourites.
Midfielder Ruiz, reflecting on his brace, described the win as “perfect.”
“We controlled everything despite the heat,” he said. “Now we just want to finish the job and end this incredible season with another trophy.”
Whether PSG can cap off this glittering year with a world title remains to be seen, but after putting Real Madrid to the sword, few would bet against them.