Paris Saint-Germain began their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, comfortably defeating 10-man Atlético Madrid 4–0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. On a hot afternoon in Southern California, PSG’s dominance was clear from start to finish, with four different scorers and a red card for Atlético tipping the match fully in favor of the French champions.

Match Summary

• Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a low strike from distance, giving PSG early control.
• Just before halftime, Vitinha doubled the lead after a poor defensive giveaway by Atlético.
• In the 66th minute, Atlético were reduced to 10 men after Clément Lenglet received a second yellow card.
• Young substitute Senny Mayulu added PSG’s third in the 87th minute with a composed finish.
• In stoppage time, Lee Kang-in converted a penalty to complete the 4–0 rout.

PSG Dominate on Every Front

Luis Enrique’s team controlled 74% of the possession and registered 11 shots on target to Atlético’s one. Despite missing key players such as Ousmane Dembélé, PSG’s midfield trio of Ruiz, Vitinha, and Ugarte dictated the game with composure and fluid passing.

The win not only provided three valuable points but also demonstrated PSG’s tactical evolution since their UEFA Champions League triumph earlier this season.

Tactical Highlights

• Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha pulled the strings in midfield, exploiting Atlético’s deep line and slow transitions.
• PSG’s press prevented Atlético from building from the back, forcing errors like the one that led to Vitinha’s goal.
• After the red card, Atlético struggled to cover ground, leading to a late collapse.

What It Means for Group B

PSG now lead Group B ahead of their next match against Botafogo, while Atlético Madrid will face Seattle Sounders in a must-win game. With only two sides advancing from each group, the pressure is already mounting on Diego Simeone’s men, who looked off the pace from the opening whistle.

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