The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid promises to be a clash for the ages. Scheduled for July 10 at MetLife Stadium, this match brings together two giants of European football and a web of intertwined narratives.
Mbappe’s emotional reunion
Kylian Mbappe will face PSG for the first time since his blockbuster move to Madrid. In a twist of irony, PSG, without their talisman, clinched their first-ever Champions League title and are now eyeing an historic treble.
But Mbappe isn’t the only link between these clubs. In their last major meeting, the 2021/22 UCL quarterfinal, PSG collapsed in the second half, and Real Madrid rode the momentum to the title. Revenge, redemption, and rivalry all hang in the balance.
PSG reborn under Luis Enrique
Gone are the days of the Messi-Neymar-Mbappe trio. This PSG is a unified force, built on teamwork and tactical discipline. Luis Enrique’s men play fluid, high-possession football and have looked dominant throughout the tournament.
Aside from a slip against Botafogo, PSG have been near-perfect, scoring 12 goals and keeping clean sheets in every other match. Even Messi’s Inter Miami and Kane’s Bayern Munich couldn’t breach Donnarumma’s net.
Real Madrid’s Alonso era begins
After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, Xabi Alonso was fast-tracked into the Madrid hot seat. While club president Florentino Perez feared it was too soon, Alonso has already begun stamping his identity on the team.
Switching to a three-center-back system, Real Madrid have found new rhythm. Arda Guler and Gonzalo Garcia are thriving under Alonso’s guidance, showcasing the Spaniard’s trust in young talent.
All eyes will be on Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, who only shared the pitch for 20 minutes at the end of the match against Juventus. Alonso believes they can flourish together but this semifinal will be the real test.
Injury news and suspensions
- PSG: Still missing Nordi Mukiele, with Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho suspended after red cards. Expect Kvaratskhelia and Dembele to start in attack.
- Real Madrid: Dean Huijsen is suspended. David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick remain sidelined through injury.
Predicted score: PSG 1-1 Real Madrid (PSG win on penalties)
Predicted lineups: PSG (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Nuno Mendes, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Hakimi; Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Doue, Dembele.
Real Madrid (4-4-2):
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, F. Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Bellingham; G. Garcia, Vinicius Junior.