Fabian Ruiz Stars as PSG Humiliate Real Madrid to Reach Club World Cup Final

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding performance in their Club World Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday, dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in a highly anticipated reunion with former talisman Kylian Mbappe. The dominant display at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey secured the European champions a place in Sunday’s final against Chelsea.

Fabian Ruiz was the star of the show, netting twice, while Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos also found the target in a match that showcased PSG’s ruthless attacking flair. The French giants stunned a largely pro-Madrid crowd of 77,542 by scoring twice within the opening nine minutes, leaving the Spanish side shell-shocked.

PSG’s flying start began with Ruiz pouncing on a rebound after Thibaut Courtois had denied Dembele, before the winger doubled the lead moments later after capitalizing on a defensive error from Antonio Rudiger. Ruiz added a second before the break, and Ramos sealed the rout late on, firing home from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Luis Enrique’s side now stands one win away from lifting FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup, having already added a historic UEFA Champions League title and the Ligue 1 crown to their trophy haul this season. Their path to the final has been emphatic, with a 4-0 quarter-final win over Atletico Madrid following a record 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, looked a shadow of themselves under new coach Xabi Alonso. Despite the return of Mbappe to the starting lineup—his first appearance against PSG since leaving last year—the Spanish giants were outclassed in every department.

Mbappe, who holds PSG’s all-time scoring record with 256 goals, was largely ineffective against his former teammates, as Real’s front line struggled to create chances. Gianluigi Donnarumma was rarely troubled in goal, and PSG’s defence, led by Lucas Beraldo in place of the suspended Willian Pacho, held firm throughout.

Real’s woes were compounded by the absence of key defenders Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Although Gonzalo Garcia kept his place up front, alongside Vinicius Junior, Madrid’s attack was stifled from the outset.

Courtois produced two early saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but his efforts were in vain. PSG’s third goal epitomized their dominance—a slick move involving Dembele and Achraf Hakimi ended with Ruiz holding off Fede Valverde to calmly slot home.

The Parisians continued to control the second half. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia went close, and Desire Doue had a goal chalked off for offside, while Real’s withdrawal of Bellingham and Vinicius just after the hour mark signalled tactical resignation.

The final blow came in the 87th minute when Ramos turned neatly and finished clinically, wrapping up a memorable night for PSG and leaving Real to reflect on a humbling defeat.