For the first time since 2009, Real Madrid lost by 4 goals in the semi-finals of an official tournament. Not only that, the 0-4 defeat to PSG was like a slap in the face to the self-esteem, prestige and pride of a team that always thought they possessed the "DNA of champions", won everywhere and had no worthy opponents.
The big match took place in front of more than 77,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium.
It is not an exaggeration to say that PSG "smashed" Real Madrid's net three times in less than half an hour, and eventually won 4-0, a "humiliation". In a semi-final match where they were inferior to their opponents in every index, from ball control, finishing, ball disputes to the difference in score, Real Madrid probably has nothing left to justify this historic defeat.
The highlights of the confrontation between the 5-time Club World Cup champion team and the new team stepping into the world -class playground for the first time were quite interesting:
Real Madrid defensive mistakes
Many expected this to be a tight affair between two of Europe's top powers, so whichever team scored first was crucial and it didn't take long for PSG to show their surprising superiority over Real Madrid.
PSG forced Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into two saves in the opening minutes of the match, as Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé tested the Spanish side's defence. However, Courtois was helpless in the following situations, with the "help" of his own team's defenders.
Fabian Ruiz scored an early goal against fellow countryman Real Madrid
In the sixth minute, Raul Asencio intercepted Désiré Doué's pass into the box, but his poor touch saw him trip as Dembélé charged in. The former Barcelona star dribbled past Courtois and then passed to Fabian Ruiz, who scored from a few yards out.
It was not the first, nor the last, mistake made by Madrid's defence. Less than four minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger tried to pass the ball back to Courtois, but he was "read out" by Dembélé.
The French striker charged into the box and beat Courtois with a close-range finish, scoring his 35th goal of the season and further cementing his place in the Ballon d'Or race.
Dembele scores in the race for the "Golden Ball" title
PSG scored two goals in three minutes, leaving Madrid looking disorganized and out of control. Los Blancos slowly settled into the game and created a few chances, but the Spanish side still had no answer to PSG's quick counter-attacks and sharp passing.
Have Real Madrid ever conceded three goals in less than half an hour?
In the 24th minute, PSG switched from defence to attack in a matter of seconds, as Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi played a one-two before finding Fabian Ruiz in an open position. It was no problem for the Spanish midfielder to score his second goal of the game against Courtois.
Kylian Mbappe starts for Real Madrid
After missing the group stage matches due to illness, Mbappé returned from the bench against Dortmund and started against PSG in the semi-finals.
The French striker was in his usual form when he scored against Dortmund in the semi-finals with an excellent scissor volley, creating confidence and being given a starting spot by head coach Xabi Alonso, facing his old club.
Kylian Mbappe disappointed when facing "old friend" PSG again
Unfortunately, it wasn't the reunion Mbappé was hoping for, as the 26-year-old had a rather lackluster game. Mbappe had four shots in the match, two of which were blocked.
He had the fewest touches (27) of all the players who played the full 90 minutes, helpless against a very disciplined and solid PSG defense.
PSG won thanks to defense
Both teams were without key defenders through suspension or injury: PSG were without centre-back Willian Pacho and left-back Lucas Hernández, forcing coach Luis Enrique to bring on Lucas Beraldo alongside Hakimi, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes; Real Madrid were without two new signings, Dean Huijsen (suspended) and Alexander-Arnold (injured). Xabi Alonsi's changes seemed to have failed, especially in the case of Raul Asencio.
Thibaut Courtois can't "bear" his teammates' mistakes
This is also a battle between two great goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma enters the semi-finals leading the way in clean sheets (4) and save percentage (92.3%), while Courtois leads in saves (19) and has the second-best save percentage (90.5%).
Gianluigi Donnarumma on his way to winning the Golden Glove award
Only one team can win when the goalkeeper and defence shut down every attack. PSG completely shut down Madrid's star-studded side and will head into the final with five clean sheets and just one goal conceded in six games.
PSG advance to the final
Having just won their first Champions League title last month, PSG were expected to go far in the Club World Cup. They started the tournament with a resounding 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid; they faltered in their next match, losing 1-0 to Botafogo, but then beat Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami.
PSG are dreaming of the highest victory
Just a few days after defeating Bayern Munich, PSG continued to beat the "giant" Real Madrid in the semi-finals with the message: No one can stop them from reaching the final and stepping onto the highest victory podium for the first time in history.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/4-diem-nhan-tu-man-dai-chien-khong-tuong-psg-real-madrid-196250710102126524.htm
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