PSG thrash Atletico Madrid 4-0 in Dominant Club World Cup Opener

Newly crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain made a bold statement in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Under the scorching California sun, PSG looked sharp from the first whistle, showing the same attacking style that brought them the UEFA Champions League title just two weeks ago. In front of a lively crowd of 80,619 fans, the French side quickly took control and didn’t let go.

The first warning for Atletico came in the 17th minute when Goncalo Ramos fired a shot from outside the box, forcing a strong save from Jan Oblak. Moments later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tested the Atletico goalkeeper again, but Oblak managed to dive low and block the attempt.

Two minutes later, the pressure finally paid off. PSG’s quick passing in midfield opened up space on the right, where Kvaratskhelia passed into the path of Fabian Ruiz. Ruiz calmly placed a low shot into the net to give the French side a 1-0 lead.

Atletico looked frustrated and lost in the midfield battle. Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand were both booked for clumsy fouls as they struggled to keep up with PSG’s pace. Ruiz also received a yellow card in the 28th minute for a shove on Giuliano Simeone, who was later booked himself.

Atletico’s only real threat in the first half came right before the break. Antoine Griezmann managed a shot on target, but Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma handled it without trouble. From that save, PSG broke forward again. Kvaratskhelia raced down the left and set up Vitinha, who finished smartly past Oblak to make it 2-0.

Early in the second half, Atletico thought they had found a lifeline when Julian Alvarez scored. But after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Rodrigo De Paul in the build-up. PSG remained calm and in control, while Atletico, despite showing more energy, failed to create any chances.

Lenglet was shown a second yellow card in the 78th minute, reducing Atletico to ten men. Things got worse four minutes later when Alexander Sorloth missed an open goal from close range after a perfect cross by Marcos Llorente.

PSG didn’t waste time punishing Atletico for that error. Substitute Senny Mayulu pounced on a rebound to score the third in the 87th minute. Then, in added time, Lee Kang-In converted a penalty after Le Normand handled the ball in the box, wrapping up a one-sided match at 4-0.

PSG now turn their attention to their next Group B match against Brazil’s Botafogo on Thursday, also in Pasadena. Their final group game will be against MLS side Seattle Sounders on June 23.

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