The tense relationship between Mbappe and PSG will fuel the great war - Photo: Reuters
It was the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, taking place at MetLife Stadium.
Two galaxies
It is a competition between two galaxies in the current football village, between the strongest team in the world at the moment and the greatest team in history.
PSG has always dreamed of the Real Madrid model since its transformation under billionaire Nasser Al-Khelaifi. But over the past 8 years, the failures in direct competition between the two teams speak volumes about the vast difference in class between the two teams. In 8 clashes in 4 seasons, PSG has only won once. That was in the group stage of the 2019-2020 season.
PSG lost all the rest. They even led 1-0 after the first leg of the round of 16 in the 2021-2022 season, then led 2-0 after the first half of the second leg, but the final score in both matches was 2-3.
With just 30 explosive minutes at the end of the match, Real Madrid overturned all ambitions of Messi, Neymar, Mbappe... That year was also the time when PSG had the most world-class superstars in the squad.
Life is so ironic. When PSG started to abandon the "galaxy" policy, focusing on young, local players who were more suitable to their philosophy than superstars, that was when they exploded. In just 2 years, coach Luis Enrique erased the boredom of the "nouveau riche" period to build a truly powerful empire.
PSG are now completely confident in facing Real Madrid. Experts even rate them higher than their opponent Real.
Defensive damage, attack feast
In terms of personnel, Real suffered a significant loss when center-back Dean Huijsen was suspended after a red card in the win over Dortmund. Therefore, the center-back position is likely to be assigned to Raul Asencio alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid's midfield is also facing problems as Camavinga is doubtful due to a thigh injury. David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Endrick are all set to miss out.
PSG also suffered a major loss in defence as Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho were both suspended after being sent off in the quarter-finals. Coach Enrique has only one option left to pair Marquinhos with at centre-back: young centre-back Beraldo.
However, there was a positive sign on the attacking front as Ousmane Dembele fully recovered from his injury. The French superstar marked his return with the decisive goal against Bayern Munich, despite only coming off the bench. Now, Dembele is ready to return to the starting lineup.
On the opposite side, Real Madrid are so well-stocked in attack that Mbappe is still uncertain about keeping his starting position as young striker Gonzalo Garcia is playing so well. Meanwhile, Rodrygo and Endrick are even completely "forgotten" on the bench.
Coach Xabi Alonso's confidence lies in the explosive midfield with Valverde, Bellingham playing like a striker. Meanwhile, defenders Arnold and Fran Garcia attack as well as midfielders.
PSG's current strength lies in their ability to control the midfield with Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves in peak form. But that doesn't mean the French team lacks the destructive power of Real Madrid - a team without a true midfield leader after Toni Kroos retired.
PSG are actually better in terms of form and fluency at the moment. But never underestimate Real Madrid's kingly qualities.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/psg-real-madrid-dai-chien-dai-ngan-ha-o-ban-ket-20250709090914626.htm
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