Paris Saint-Germain and Ousmane Dembélé couldn’t have asked for a better start in their Club World Cup semifinal clash against Real Madrid. Just nine minutes into the match, the French giants were already 2–0 up, capitalizing on back-to-back defensive errors from Los Blancos.
The opener came from Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who finished off a well-orchestrated move after a quick recovery in midfield. His goal gave PSG early momentum, but it was Ousmane Dembélé’s strike just minutes later that truly stunned the Spanish side.
In the 9th minute, a costly slip from Antonio Rüdiger handed the ball to Dembélé in a dangerous position. The French winger didn’t hesitate—cutting inside and firing a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner past Thibaut Courtois, who had little chance to react. The goal sent the PSG bench into celebration and left Real Madrid scrambling to find composure.
The early dominance reflects PSG’s aggressive pressing and energy from kickoff. Luis Enrique’s tactical setup has clearly unsettled Madrid’s backline, who looked overwhelmed under pressure. With Marquinhos commanding the back, Vitinha controlling the midfield, and Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia running rampant up front, PSG are displaying one of their most cohesive performances of the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid side has struggled to settle into the game. Rüdiger’s uncharacteristic error and poor transitions have exposed their vulnerability, despite a midfield that includes the usually reliable Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.
