PSG arranges semifinal clash against Real Madrid featuring Mbappe in the Club World Cup
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid are set to face off in the highly anticipated Club World Cup semifinal on July 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. Both teams have demonstrated impressive form and a competitive history, promising a thrilling encounter.
### Preview
PSG, aiming for a quintuple of trophies this season, have been dominant in the Club World Cup, securing victories over Inter Miami (4-0) and Bayern Munich (2-0), despite finishing the latter match with nine men. Real Madrid, under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, have advanced with narrow wins over Juventus (1-0) and Borussia Dortmund (3-2), with key contributions from players like Gonzalo Garcia and Kylian Mbappe.
Both teams have maintained an impressive six-month win rate of 80%, with PSG on a 3-game winning streak and Real Madrid on a 4-game winning streak. PSG currently holds the top spot in the rankings, while Real Madrid sits at #7[1][2].
### Past Performances & Head-to-Head
Historically, PSG and Real Madrid have met 11 times since 2013, with Real Madrid winning 6 matches, PSG winning 3, and 2 draws. Real Madrid has a slight edge in total goals scored with 14 versus PSG's 12[3]. Their last notable encounter in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in March 2022 saw Real Madrid win 3-1 after extra time, with Karim Benzema scoring a hat-trick and Kylian Mbappe netting for PSG[4].
Recent form shows PSG averaging 2.4 goals per match with strong defensive stats (0.2 goals conceded per match). Real Madrid averages 2.2 goals per match and concedes 0.8 on average[3].
### Key Players to Watch
PSG: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue are key players to watch for PSG, with Mbappe's pace and finishing making him central to their attack. Dembele and Doue have shown importance on the big stage, scoring crucial goals in recent matches.
Real Madrid: Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Garcia, Fran Garcia, and the recently transferred Kylian Mbappe are crucial players to watch for Real Madrid. Benzema has a history of performing well against PSG, while Garcia and Fran have contributed significantly in recent matches. The addition of Mbappe to Real Madrid's roster adds an intriguing dynamic to this fixture.
### Summary
This semifinal promises to be a clash of titans, with PSG looking to continue their dominant run this season and Real Madrid seeking redemption under a new coach. The match will test the tactical acumen of Luis Enrique (PSG) and Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) and the individual brilliance of star players like Mbappe and Benzema. Expect a tightly contested match with high stakes as both teams vie for a place in the Club World Cup final[1][2][3][4].
Notable moments from the quarterfinals include Mbappe paying tribute to Diogo Jota by making the number 20 with his hands after scoring, and Dembele copying Jota's video-gaming celebration after scoring the second goal for PSG. In the Borussia Dortmund versus Real Madrid quarterfinal, Mbappe was left on the bench, but he responded by scoring the winning goal for Real Madrid, making the final score 3-2. Meanwhile, Jamal Musiala suffered a horror ankle injury for Bayern just before halftime, and Thomas Mueller played his last game for Bayern Munich.
- The Club World Cup battle between PSG and Real Madrid is set to take place in Europe on July 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, showcasing a confrontation between two top global teams with remarkable sports performances in football.
- Both PSG and Real Madrid have been excelling in various European leagues, maintaining impressive win rates, and exhibiting impressive form in football tournaments, positioning them among the top teams in the world.
- The Champions League, one of the prestigious European leagues, has witnessed numerous encounters between PSG and Real Madrid, highlighting their rivalry and competitive history in football, particularly with their last meeting ending in a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid in March 2022.
