Paris Saint-Germain delivered a devastating performance to crush Real Madrid 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinals, effectively ending the match within the opening ten minutes.
The French champions replicated their clinical Champions League final display against Inter Milan, racing into a commanding lead through early strikes from Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele.
Ruiz opened the scoring before Dembele doubled the advantage just three minutes later, with both goals coming after nine minutes.
The Spanish midfielder then added his second before the half-hour mark, establishing a three-goal cushion after only 24 minutes and leaving Real Madrid's hopes of reaching the final in tatters.
Goncalo Ramos paid tribute to Diogo Jota with his goal celebration
Reuters
PSG capitalised on a series of defensive blunders from their Spanish opponents to establish their commanding lead.
The opening goal saw Dembele dispossess Raul Asencio before being fouled by Thibaut Courtois, allowing Ruiz to convert the rebound.
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Dembele then robbed Antonio Rudiger of possession before racing clear to slide the ball beneath Courtois for the second.
The French winger's contribution marked a historic achievement, becoming the first player since Opta records began in 2002/03 to register two goal involvements against Real Madrid within nine minutes.
PSG's third arrived through a sweeping team move, with Ruiz calmly slotting home his second after 24 minutes.
The scoring was completed three minutes from time when substitute Goncalo Ramos blasted home from close range following skilful play by Bradley Barcola.
After finding the net, the Portuguese striker immediately performed the signature goal celebration of late Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who had been his teammate on the Portugal national team.
Ramos mimicked Jota's distinctive celebration that reflected his passion for video games, ensuring his former colleague was remembered on football's grand stage.
The emotional tribute added poignancy to PSG's emphatic victory, as Ramos joined several players who have honoured Jota's memory during the tournament.
Ramos was not the first to pay tribute to Jota at the tournament, with his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele performing the celebration after scoring against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
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Fabian Ruiz scored twice in PSG's win over Real Madrid
Reuters
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe also honoured the late Liverpool forward with the same gesture during his side's quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund.
PSG will now face Chelsea in Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, competing for the £30 million prize money.
Luis Enrique's side, who claimed a treble this season, will aim to add another trophy following their dominant semifinal display.
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