The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain is not just a battle between two European titans, but also a meeting steeped in symbolism and high stakes. While fans anticipated a star-studded clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Real Madrid will be without one of its key players—a surprising absence that raises eyebrows just hours before kickoff.
PSG, fresh off its Champions League triumph, has stormed into the Club World Cup with confidence and resilience. After an early hiccup against Botafogo in the group stage, Luis Enrique’s squad has strung together three consecutive wins without conceding a single goal, the most recent being a gritty 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich, despite finishing the match with nine men. Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele were the heroes of that night, pushing the Parisians into the final four.
Real Madrid, under the leadership of newly appointed coach Xabi Alonso, had its own dramatic journey. A nail-biting 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund saw the Whites nearly throw away a two-goal lead before Thibaut Courtois saved the day with a critical stop in the dying moments. The La Liga giants now face the Parisians in a clash that promises both tactical finesse and emotional undercurrents.
Last-minute setback for Madrid
However, the focus shifted dramatically within Madrid’s camp on Wednesday, just several hours before the semifinal, when reports emerged that Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of Real Madrid’s most high-profile summer signings, had encountered an issue that could rule him out of the PSG clash.
According to COPE journalist Miguel Angel Diaz, “Trent Alexander-Arnold could be ruled out of tonight’s match against PSG after suffering a setback during training in Palm Beach.” The news was initially met with speculation, as fans hoped it was only precautionary. But later on matchday, it was officially confirmed that the English right-back would miss the semifinal.
The impact of Alexander-Arnold’s absence
Alexander-Arnold’s absence is a significant tactical blow for Xabi Alonso. Since arriving from Liverpool just weeks before the tournament began—for a transfer fee of $11.7 million, despite his contract being set to expire in June—the Englishman had started all five of Madrid’s matches in the Club World Cup.
In those appearances, he quickly proved his worth, contributing two assists and delivering the kind of wide-play creativity and passing range Madrid hoped to integrate into their new tactical era under Alonso.
Without him, Real Madrid must now reshuffle their backline. Fede Valverde, usually a central or wide midfielder, has been assigned to start at right-back. The alternative, veteran Dani Carvajal, had been expected to return to the role, but Alonso’s choice of Valverde signals a more dynamic, pressing-oriented setup.
