Fabián Ruiz Shines as Parisians Dominate at Metlife Stadium
Paris Saint-Germain secured a place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final with a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium. The French champions dismantled their Spanish rivals with a clinical performance that highlighted their strength across the pitch, booking a title clash against Chelsea on Sunday.
Fabián Ruiz led the charge with two goals in the first half, while Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos added one each to complete the rout. The match, played under sweltering conditions in New Jersey, saw PSG maintain its impressive unbeaten run as it aims to cap an extraordinary season with yet another trophy.
Early Goals Seal Real Madrid’s Fate
PSG wasted no time asserting dominance. In the sixth minute, Raúl Asencio hesitated in his own box, allowing Dembélé to pounce. After being brought down by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the advantage played by referee Szymon Marciniak allowed Ruiz to calmly slot in the opener.
Three minutes later, another defensive lapse proved costly. Antonio Rüdiger miscontrolled the ball, and Dembélé punished the mistake with a powerful finish to make it 2-0. PSG’s intensity didn’t wane, and a brilliant passing sequence in the 24th minute ended with Achraf Hakimi assisting Ruiz for his second goal of the night.
Although Real Madrid attempted to recover and generated several scoring opportunities, they struggled to penetrate PSG’s defense, which was missing key players Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández due to suspension. In the closing stages, Ramos completed the scoreline with a fourth goal, honoring his late teammate Diogo Jota in celebration.
Luis Enrique Praises Team Effort and Resilience
PSG manager Luis Enrique lauded his squad’s focus and determination after the match. “This is a very special moment for us and for all Parisians,” he said. “We kept pushing despite the heat and the stakes. I’m proud of how we played and how we fought.”
Dembélé’s goal marked his 35th of the season, more than doubling his previous personal best and cementing his place as a strong Ballon d’Or contender. PSG has now won six straight matches without conceding a single goal, a testament to the team’s cohesion and tactical discipline.
Final Showdown Set as Chelsea Awaits
With Chelsea defeating Fluminense earlier in the week, the stage is now set for a high-stakes final between the English and French giants. PSG, having already claimed the UEFA Champions League title in May, is looking to add a global crown to its growing collection.
Young midfielder Senny Mayulu expressed the team’s excitement: “It’s a source of pride to be in the final. We’ll enjoy the moment, rest, and be ready to finish the job.”
Despite being outnumbered in the stands by Real Madrid fans, PSG supporters remained passionate throughout the match, reflecting the unity and energy surrounding the club’s historic season.
Farewell to a Legend: Modrić’s Final Real Madrid Appearance
The semifinal also marked the end of an illustrious era for Real Madrid, as Luka Modrić played his final match for the club. The 39-year-old Croatian legend, who will now join AC Milan, departs as Real Madrid’s most decorated player with 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles and the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
“This isn’t the ending we wanted,” admitted manager Xabi Alonso. “But Luka won’t be remembered for today—he’ll be remembered as a legend.”
As PSG prepares to face Chelsea, the Parisians are just one win away from claiming the title of world champions and sealing a season to remember.