Monstrous PSG “leading a new era” – but Problems for Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain look unbeatable. After hammering Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, Luis Enrique’s rejuvenated squad has now brushed aside Real Madrid 4-0 to book their place in the Club World Cup final.

The French champions led by three within the opening 24 minutes, courtesy of a brace from Fabian Ruiz and a strike from Ousmane Dembele. Goncalo Ramos added a fourth late on. It’s their third straight shutout win over European heavyweights, having already put four past Atletico Madrid and two past Bayern Munich, the latter despite being reduced to nine men.

Their only blemish came in a surprising stumble against Botafogo. Otherwise, PSG have been dominant on American soil, heading into Sunday’s final against Chelsea in New Jersey with 18 goals scored and none conceded in their last five knockout games.

“Luis Enrique has created a monster,” said pundit Andros Townsend. Gareth Bale called them “very young, relentless, and want to embarrass teams.”

PSG are going for a clean sweep of trophies in 2025: the Ligue 1 title, French Cup, Champions League, Trophee des Champions, and Club World Cup. Enrique is chasing his second treble as a manager and potentially a fifth trophy in the same season.

Dembele Shines After Mbappe’s Exit

Without Kylian Mbappe—who joined Real Madrid last summer—PSG’s attack has been reshaped. Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia form a terrifying trio, with Bradley Barcola offering added chaos when called upon.

Dembele in particular has stepped into a starring role, producing 35 goals and 16 assists in 52 appearances this season. Previously, his best scoring output was 14 with Barcelona. The 28-year-old French forward is now considered the front-runner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

“Unbelievable numbers from Dembele,” said Callum Wilson. “If he wins the Club World Cup after winning the Treble, surely he has to win the Ballon d’Or?”

Luis Enrique was full of praise: “He deserves to win everything because he gives his all to the club and has done all season.”

Enrique’s New-Look Team Overpowers Elite

PSG’s midfield trio of Ruiz, Joao Neves, and Vitinha dictated the game against Madrid. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel said: “When the three in the middle dictate the play like that, no one can stop them. It has been a masterclass.”

Attack-minded full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes continue to be vital, flying up and down the flanks with relentless energy. It is complete football, played at a suffocating pace and precision.

“They are leading a new era,” Bale said. “They have set a very high bar, and everyone in football will be trying to copy them and trying to stop them.”

Their only risk now? Fatigue. Sunday’s game will be their 65th of the 2024-25 campaign. Their next is in a month, facing Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup to launch the new season.

Harsh Lessons for Alonso’s Madrid

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, still in the early days of his tenure, faces a steep task. After taking over from Carlo Ancelotti just weeks ago, Alonso is trying to figure out his team.

He went with an experimental backline against PSG, using midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured.

“Vinicius Jr and Mbappe just haven’t been tracking back down the sides, and that is a big problem in this formation,” said Townsend.

Fran Garcia struggled at left-back with little help. “He has had absolutely no help down that left-hand side,” Townsend added.

Alonso said post-match: “They have been building for two years and we are just starting, so we will take time. We will take lessons from today.”

Real Madrid will now regroup, with limited time before the start of their new La Liga campaign.