East Rutherford, N.J. — Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday, dismantling Real Madrid 4–0 at MetLife Stadium to secure a place in the FIFA Club World Cup Final against Chelsea. Midfielder Fabián Ruiz led the charge with two first-half goals in a match that exposed Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities and silenced a returning Kylian Mbappé.
PSG’s opening salvo came fast and mercilessly. In the 6th minute, Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio mishandled a routine ball, handing Ousmane Dembélé a golden opportunity. Though his shot was stopped by Thibaut Courtois, the rebound fell kindly to Ruiz, who tapped into an empty net.
Just three minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger gave the ball away cheaply with a misplaced pass, allowing Dembélé to waltz into the box unmarked and bury PSG’s second past Courtois.
Ruiz wasn’t finished. In the 24th minute, Achraf Hakimi sprinted down the right and found Ruiz, who skillfully shrugged off a challenge from Asencio and slotted home his second of the night, putting the French side up 3–0 before the half-hour mark.
Real Madrid never recovered. PSG remained dominant throughout the second half, and a lifeless Madrid attack offered little resistance. In the 87th minute, substitute Gonçalo Ramos put the finishing touch on a complete rout, making it 4–0 with a composed finish.
“It was an incredible match and a proud moment for the team,” said Ruiz, who was named Player of the Match. “Even with the heat and tough conditions, we executed the game plan perfectly.”
For Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, the night was one to forget. Missing key defenders Dean Huijsen (suspension) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (injury), Alonso opted to abandon the five-man backline that had been effective earlier in the tournament. The tactical shift to four at the back proved disastrous.
“Going down 2–0 early made the climb nearly impossible,” Alonso said postgame. “We’re still building something here, but PSG showed what a complete team looks like. It’s a lesson we have to learn from.”
Despite Mbappé’s return to the PSG starting XI following illness, it was the supporting cast that overwhelmed Madrid. Dembélé nearly scored within the opening five minutes, forcing two brilliant saves from Courtois, while PSG continued to pile pressure throughout the first half.
Real Madrid made no adjustments after the break and remained toothless in attack. PSG even had a goal from Désiré Doué disallowed for offside but kept complete control.
After winning the Champions League final 5–0 over Inter Milan last month, PSG now heads into Sunday’s Club World Cup final brimming with confidence — and Chelsea firmly in their sights.
