**PSG 4-0** [**Real Madrid**](https://www.managingmadrid.com)_. Out in the semi-finals._ Here is my reaction to the defeat. Still on the way: Player ratings, interviews and a podcast.
Real Madrid looked good, and if they could make it to the club World Cup final, then they would surely be the favourites against Premier League side Chelsea. However, it was the best team in the world currently, PSG, who stood in their way. Los Blancos were much improved, but this could still be a step too far at this early stage of the Xabi Alonso era. Kylian Mbappé would be giving his all to ensure he came out on top of his former club, whilst Fede Valverde was chosen as the deputy right sided defender in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Dean Huijsen, another huge loss, was replaced by the shaky Raúl Asencio. Vinícius Júnior still started despite recent rumours suggesting this would not be the case, but Gonzalo García was still trusted in that attack. Fede Valverde captained Real Madrid for the big game…
Despite a decent opening few minutes, Thibaut Courtois made a great save, before pulling off one of the best saves you are going to ever see as PSG began to create some clean chances. This would be a warning of what is to come, as a disastrous mistake from Raúl Asencio gifted the ball away for Fabián Ruiz to tap home. Antonio Rüdiger was then at it, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to score a second with eight minutes played. The game felt over from here on out, as PSG took complete control, dominating in every aspect. It would be three before 25 minutes, as Fabián gained a second, in a goal that was at least more well worked than the first two. Real Madrid would offer nothing in attack in the first half, and the half would end 3-0 to the French side.
Things didn’t get better as PSG scored an early goal that was fortunately ruled out for offside. PSG looked the stronger team for much of the second half, but there would be some slight improvements from Real Madrid who would have a brighter spell for a chunk of the final quarter. There still would be little in the way of clear chances however, with a saved strike from substitute Eder miliato the best of the bunch. Luka Modric came in to make his final Real Madrid appearance. PSG would cap off their tremendous performance with the best goal of the game from Gonçalo Ramos. Xabi Alonso has had a good start to life at Real Madrid, but this PSG team will take some beating… Full-time, 4-0 to PSG. What did you think about this game, and this tournament?