The Digest:
Real Madrid endured a shocking 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, displaying a comprehensive defensive meltdown and a lack of attacking threat. Xabi Alonso's men were entirely outclassed, leading to an embarrassing exit from the tournament, marking a definitive Royal Rout for Los Blancos.
Key Points:
- Real Madrid lost 4-0 to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final.
- Defensive errors and inferior quality led to the heavy defeat.
- Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz scored early goals for PSG.
- Antonio Rudiger's error directly contributed to PSG's second goal.
- Fabian Ruiz completed his brace before the half-hour mark.
- Key forwards Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe had sub-par performances.
- Coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged his team was outclassed and outcoached.
The match saw Real Madrid's defense collapse early, with Raul Asencio's heavy touch leading to Fabian Ruiz's opener, followed by a costly error from Antonio Rudiger that gifted Ousmane Dembele PSG's second. Ruiz secured his second goal within 30 minutes, highlighting the ease with which PSG penetrated Madrid's lines. Despite PSG easing off in the second half, Real Madrid failed to capitalize, with star players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe struggling to make an impact and eventually being substituted. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois received a relatively high rating given the circumstances, while other defenders and midfielders largely underperformed. Coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the need to return "to the drawing board" after this comprehensive defeat.
Source: GOAL, AFP
