PSG Demolish Atlético Madrid 4-0 in Club World Cup Statement Win at Rose Bowl

In a commanding performance that reaffirmed their status as one of world football’s most complete teams, Paris Saint-Germain crushed Atlético Madrid 4-0 on Sunday in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Played in front of a roaring crowd of over 80,000 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners made light work of their Spanish rivals, showcasing depth, composure, and a frightening level of control.

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Dominance From the First Whistle

Luis Enrique’s side, coming off a historic treble and their maiden Champions League title just weeks ago, wasted little time in asserting themselves. PSG opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who rifled home a long-range effort that set the tone for the afternoon. Atlético Madrid, fielding a strong lineup that included Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, and substitute Ángel Correa, never found their rhythm.

Vitinha, named Man of the Match, capped off a smooth counterattack just before halftime after an Antoine Griezmann turnover, giving PSG a deserved 2-0 lead. The Portuguese international controlled the midfield alongside Ruiz, dictating the tempo and preventing Atlético from creating meaningful chances.

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Álvarez Denied, Atlético Dismantled

In the 57th minute, Atlético Madrid appeared to claw one back when Julián Álvarez found the net — a goal that could have shifted momentum. However, the strike was overturned after a VAR review showed Koke had fouled PSG’s Désiré Doué in the buildup. From that moment, any faint hope of a comeback was extinguished.

To compound their misery, Atlético defender Clément Lenglet was sent off after picking up a second yellow card. The final stages turned into a procession for PSG. Promising youngster Senny Mayulu added a third in the 87th minute, continuing his breakout campaign after also scoring in the Champions League final. Then, in stoppage time, Lee Kang-in calmly slotted home a penalty to round off the 4-0 rout.

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Luis Enrique: “A Complete Performance”

After the match, PSG manager Luis Enrique praised his squad’s balance and mental focus under sweltering California heat.

“It was a very complete performance from the team today,” Enrique said. “We controlled the game from start to finish. The heat was a factor, but we adapted well and kept our focus.”

With Ousmane Dembélé sidelined due to injury, PSG didn’t miss a beat, showcasing squad depth and versatility. Enrique had particularly high praise for 19-year-old Mayulu, who is emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young stars.

“I’m very proud of the players, especially the young ones like Senny who stepped up,” he said. “This is just the beginning; we have a long way to go in this tournament… but I don’t have a single doubt. We’re the favourites to win.”

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Statistical Mastery

PSG’s dominance was reflected in the numbers. They held 74% possession and recorded 11 shots on target compared to just one from Atlético Madrid. The French champions were unbothered at the back and ruthless in transition, thoroughly outclassing Diego Simeone’s typically rigid side.

Atlético in Crisis Mode

For Atlético Madrid, the defeat leaves them bottom of Group B. With one group match remaining against MLS side Seattle Sounders on Thursday, they need a miracle to advance — one that may depend on the result between Botafogo and Seattle, particularly if neither loses by a margin of four goals or more.

Though Simeone’s men entered the tournament as a respected European powerhouse, their lack of attacking edge and defensive fragility were fully exposed. Even seasoned leaders like De Paul and Griezmann looked flat, and Simeone now faces questions about whether his conservative system can survive against elite, modern attacking sides.

Looking Ahead

PSG will return to the Rose Bowl on Thursday to face Brazil’s Botafogo with momentum firmly on their side. A win would all but guarantee a place in the knockout rounds — and based on Sunday’s performance, they’ll likely enter that phase as tournament favorites.

For Atlético, their clash with Seattle now becomes a do-or-die affair. Anything less than a win — and perhaps a heavy one — may see the Spanish side make an early exit from a tournament they once approached with ambition.