PSG Crush 10-Man Atletico Madrid 4-0 in Club World Cup Statement Win
By IDNN Sports Desk
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – June 15, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their Club World Cup campaign in terrifying form, dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their opening Group B match at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
Facing off for the first time in official competition, the two European giants produced a fiery encounter, but it was PSG’s tactical fluidity and clinical finishing that sent a strong message to the rest of the field.
“We came here to win everything,” said PSG boss Luis Enrique. “This was just the first shot fired.”
Fabian Ruiz Opens the Floodgates
After surviving an early scare from Julian Alvarez’s wide free-kick, PSG took control. In the 19th minute, Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring with a crisp low drive after a clever layoff from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Moments later, the Georgian winger turned provider again, setting up Vitinha for PSG’s second — a composed finish that split Atleti’s collapsing backline.
Atleti Crumble Under Pressure
Atletico briefly threatened through Griezmann and a disallowed Alvarez strike, but their night went from bad to worse in the 79th minute when Clement Lenglet received a second yellow card for dissent after protesting a controversial decision.
“We lost our heads tonight,” said Atleti coach Diego Simeone, suffering his 10th managerial loss against Luis Enrique.
Down to ten men, Atletico conceded two more.
Mayulu & VAR Pile On the Pain
Substitute Senny Mayulu made it 3-0 after capitalizing on a defensive error and slotting low past Jan Oblak. Then in stoppage time, VAR caught a handball by Robin Le Normand, and Lee Kang-in converted from the spot to seal the 4-0 rout.
PSG’s lineup, already dripping with star power, showed depth and cohesion — with Nuno Mendes, Hakimi, and Donnarumma all playing pivotal roles.
“We dominated possession. We created with intelligence. This is the DNA we’ve been building,” said Enrique.
What It Means
The result puts PSG in pole position in Group B, and all but confirms their status as Club World Cup favorites, alongside Bayern Munich.
Atletico, meanwhile, must now beat Shandong Taishan and Flamengo to avoid an early exit.