PSG thrash Atletico Madrid in Club World Cup opener
Paris Saint-Germain thrash Atletico Madrid 4-0 on Sunday in their opening Group B match at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The dominant performance saw PSG take early control of their group, which also includes Botafogo and Seattle Sounders.
Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Seny Maiolo, and Lee Kang-in sealed the win for the reigning Champions League winners, who exacted revenge for their 2-1 defeat to Atletico earlier in the season.
Dominant first half sets the tone
Atletico Madrid looked promising early on with Julian Alvarez trying his luck from a free kick just three minutes in, but it missed the target. PSG responded quickly, and their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Desiree Doué set up Ruiz to slot home the opener past Jan Oblak.
Despite Oblak’s efforts, including saves against Doué and Ramos, Vitinha doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a composed finish following a smooth pass from Kvaratskhelia.
VAR drama and Atletico collapse
Atletico thought they had a lifeline in the 57th minute when Julian Alvarez found the back of the net, but VAR overturned the goal, citing a foul by Koke earlier in the play. Things worsened for Diego Simeone’s side when Clément Lenglet was sent off in the 78th minute.
PSG capitalized on the numerical advantage. Maiolo added the third goal after a costly mistake by Griezmann, and the Parisian dominance was complete when Lee Kang-in scored a penalty in stoppage time following a VAR-confirmed handball.
PSG cruising toward the title?
With this emphatic win, Paris Saint-Germain are now strong contenders in the tournament. They follow up their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final with another statement victory. If they continue this form, PSG may well be on their way to lifting their first Club World Cup title.
