PSG Dominate Atletico Madrid 4-0 to Open Club World Cup Campaign in Style

Newly crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain sent a resounding message to their global rivals on Sunday with a 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the opening match of their Club World Cup campaign, held at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California.

It was PSG’s first match since their emphatic 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan on May 31, and they showed no signs of easing off. Instead, Luis Enrique’s side continued their dazzling form, dominating a disjointed Atletico team and confirming their status as tournament favourites in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.

Ruthless Execution from Start to Finish

Coach Luis Enrique wore shorts and a training tee on the touchline as the French giants grabbed control early in the 31°C (88°F) California warmth.  His squad performed professionally.

Having dominated possession, midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored a well-deserved goal in the 19th minute by curling a shot from beyond the area past Jan Oblak.

Atletico Madrid wasted their best chance before halftime after being pressed back.  Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Antoine Griezmann's box-shot.  After that miss, Vitinha broke through the Atletico defence on a counterattack and scored PSG's second goal in injury time, deflating Diego Simeone.

Second Half Collapse for Simeone’s Men

In the second half, Atletico's comeback aspirations died.  VAR threw Julian Alvarez's goal out when Koke fouled Desire Doue in the buildup, denying a lifeline.

As Simeone's side became frustrated, tensions rose.  After earning his second yellow card, defender Clément Lenglet was sent off in the 78th minute, reducing Atletico to 10 men.  Minutes later, Alexander Sørloth missed a clear goal, leaving Simeone in shock on the sidelines.

PSG persisted.  Young Senny Mayulu scored a third goal in the 87th minute, and Lee Kang-in completed the rout from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Robin Le Normand touched the ball in the area.

Player and Coach Reactions

Midfielder Vitinha, who was named Man of the Match, praised his team’s focus and composure under testing conditions.

“It was a perfect game. It is difficult with this temperature, but we did well against a tough team and controlled all of the game,” he told DAZN. “The toughest thing to do in football is to maintain the level, and that is what I try to do.”

Coach Luis Enrique was equally satisfied, praising the unity and individual brilliance on display.

“I think every single player showed their best quality to the team. As a coach, I am happy. Really great to feel that love from the stadium. We are happy and want to continue with our ways,” he said.

Notably, Ousmane Dembélé missed the match due to a reported quadriceps injury suffered while playing for France on June 6. Gonçalo Ramos started in his place as the only change to the Champions League final lineup.

Bayern Munich’s Statement Win

Bayern Munich defeated Auckland City 10-0 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati in another Group B match earlier that day.  In his first game since April after recovering from a hamstring injury, Jamal Musiala scored a 17-minute hat-trick for the Bundesliga winners.

Bayern outshot their opponents 17-1, with Kingsley Coman, Thomas Müller, and new recruit Michael Olise scoring twice.

The one-sided affair wasn’t without controversy. A section of the crowd unfurled a bold red-and-white banner referencing FIFA’s 2015 corruption scandal:

“10 Years Baur Au Lac – World Football Is More Poorly Governed than Before! Smash FIFA!”

Despite the dramatic display, Bayern’s performance on the pitch was clinical and dominant, positioning them as another key contender for the Club World Cup crown.

What’s Next?

PSG and Bayern Munich’s early dominance has set the stage for a mouthwatering showdown should both sides advance deeper into the tournament. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will need to regroup quickly, with their hopes of progressing now hanging by a thread. As the Club World Cup’s first 32-team edition unfolds, it’s clear that Europe’s elite are here not just to participate—but to dominate. And so far, PSG looks unstoppable.

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