Real Madrid vs PSG – 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal: Preview, Lineups, and Key Storylines
⚽ Clash of Titans at the Club World Cup
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Real Madrid faced off against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a blockbuster semifinal at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was more than just a semifinal—it was a battle between two of the most star-studded squads in world football, and a rematch years in the making.
🛤️ Road to the Semifinal
🏆 Real Madrid
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Finished top of Group B
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Knocked out Juventus and Borussia Dortmund
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In their quarterfinal vs Dortmund, Kylian Mbappé scored a stunning 94th-minute overhead kick to seal a dramatic 3–2 win.
🏆 PSG
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Dominated Group C, including a 4–0 win over Atlético Madrid
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Eliminated Bayern Munich 2–0 in the quarterfinals, despite two red cards
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Entered the semifinal seeking revenge against the club that snatched Mbappé
🔥 Key Narrative: Mbappé vs His Past
All eyes were on Kylian Mbappé, who faced his former club for the first time in a major tournament since his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. Having already delivered a moment of magic in the quarters, Mbappé was ready to lead Los Blancos against the team he once captained.
PSG, under Luis Enrique, tried to downplay the emotional stakes, but the tension was evident. Real Madrid’s manager Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, focused on tactical discipline and quick transitions to break PSG’s high press.
📋 Starting Lineups
🇪🇸 Real Madrid XI:
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Goalkeeper: Courtois
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Defense: Fran García, Asensio, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni
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Midfield: Valverde, Bellingham, Arda Güler
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Attack: Vinícius Jr, Gonzalo García, Kylian Mbappé
🔄 Notable Absence: Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out just before kickoff due to a last-minute injury.
🇫🇷 PSG XI:
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Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
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Defense: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes
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Midfield: Vitinha, Neves
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Attack: Ousmane Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué
🧠 Tactical Breakdown
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Real Madrid focused on defensive structure and fast counters, relying on the pace of Mbappé and Vinícius.
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PSG played a high possession game, pushing their full-backs forward and relying on midfield creativity.
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The clash between Real’s experience and PSG’s dynamic pressing created a chess match of tactics.
🏟️ Atmosphere & Stakes
This wasn't just about football—it was a showdown between two footballing philosophies:
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Real Madrid: Heritage, dominance, and Mbappé as the new Galáctico
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PSG: Modern power, fueled by Qatari investment and Luis Enrique’s tactical evolution
Both teams were chasing history. PSG sought their first ever Club World Cup final, while Madrid aimed for a record 6th title after winning it in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023.
📺 How to Watch
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TV & Streaming: DAZN, FIFA+, beIN Sports (MENA), FOX Sports (USA), Canal+ (France)
🏁 Final Thoughts
Real Madrid vs PSG in the 2025 Club World Cup was a clash made for the history books—rivalries, redemption arcs, and superstar battles on full display. Whether you supported Mbappé’s new legacy or PSG’s pursuit of their first global trophy, the semifinal was everything fans hoped for.
The winner heads to the final on Sunday, July 13, where they’ll face either Chelsea or Fluminense.
Tags: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Real Madrid vs PSG, Mbappé, Club World Cup semifinal, PSG news, Real Madrid lineup, Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, how to watch Club World Cup live
