Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final has sent shockwaves through the Spanish giants’ camp. Despite a strong run leading up to the match, the team was torn apart at MetLife Stadium, exposed by a PSG side full of pace, purpose, and pressing power. But as heads dropped and questions mounted, the spotlight quickly turned to two of Real Madrid’s biggest stars—and how manager Xabi Alonso plans to respond.
PSG’s masterclass began early. Fabian Ruiz pounced on a rebound to open the scoring, followed swiftly by Ousmane Dembele, who dispossessed Antonio Rudiger before beating Thibaut Courtois. Ruiz added his second before halftime, and Goncalo Ramos completed the rout after a clever assist from Bradley Barcola.
For Los Blancos, it was a collapse of both tactics and temperament. The midfield was overrun, and the attack failed to apply any meaningful pressure. Criticism came swiftly—not just for the performance, but for the attitude on display.
“You can’t compete with two forwards up top who don’t defend,” wrote MARCA‘s Vicente Azpitarte. “Mbappe and Vinicius need to become aware of that.”
Real Madrid’s internal alarm bells
The Spanish press didn’t hold back, and neither did the club’s leadership, who are increasingly frustrated with the visible lack of collective spirit and defensive commitment among the team’s attacking stars. While Real Madrid looked cohesive in prior matches, their downfall against PSG coincided with the return of Kylian Mbappe to the starting lineup and the continued struggles of Vinicius Junior.
Although Xabi Alonso avoided naming names during his post-match interview, his comments hinted at the deeper issues plaguing the squad. “This championship has told me many things. About who we are and what we need to improve. I’m leaving with certainties,” Alonso told reporters after the match.
Will Mbappe and Vinicius be punished?
The answer, it seems, is yes—within reason and with backing from the top. According to Marca, the Spanish boss is preparing to hold direct talks with both Mbappe and Vinicius, stressing the need for increased off-ball work and leadership by example.
“No player is excepted from their defensive duties,” a source close to the club told Marca. “The team must come before egos.”
While the Frenchman’s debut season tally of 44 goals has been impressive, his lack of defensive contribution in the biggest game of the campaign raised alarms. The Brazilian, meanwhile, continues to slide further from the form that once had him tipped for the Ballon d’Or, and his contract renewal is still unsigned—another cause for concern.
Alonso has reportedly received full backing from the Real Madrid board to make necessary changes, even if that means ruffling feathers. Rodrygo, who has lost his starting place since Mbappe’s arrival, is now being pushed toward the exit, with Premier League clubs circling.
