The second semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature a high-stakes clash (Paris Saint‑Germain) PSG vs Real Madrid – FIFA World Cup 2025 Semifinal Showdown vs Real Madrid on Wednesday, July 9, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG advanced to the semifinals after a dramatic 2‑0 victory over Bayern Munich, despite finishing the match with only nine men. Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured their place with a thrilling 3‑2 win against Borussia Dortmund, surviving a late scare in a fiercely contested quarterfinal. This match promises to be a showcase of elite football talent, pitting Kylian Mbappé’s PSG against the seasoned might of Real Madrid in what could be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Recent Team Form
A refined breakdown of recent form heading into the PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal:
Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG)
PSG are entering this match in scintillating shape: they’ve won eight of their last nine games, with the only stumble being a narrow defeat to Botafogo. In the Club World Cup, they’ve been near-impeccable, posting a 4‑0 win over Atlético Madrid, then throttling Inter Miami 4‑0, and following up with a hard-fought 2‑0 win against Bayern Munich, despite being down to nine players This run underscores a tight defense and ruthless attacking play.
Key contributors include Ousmane Dembélé, who stepped up against Bayern with a late goal and solid overall performance . Emerging youth like Désiré Doué and Senny Mayulu are delivering, with Doué scoring in clutch moments .
Real Madrid
Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have found a strong rhythm. They’ve followed a 1‑1 draw in the group phase with convincing wins: 3‑1 vs Pachuca, 3‑0 vs Salzburg, and 1‑0 vs Juventus. In the quarterfinal, they edged out Borussia Dortmund 3‑2, despite a tense finish, showing both attacking verve and defensive vulnerability due to a late red card.
The win over Dortmund showcased youth, with academy talents Gonzalo García and Fran García scoring, while midfielders like Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni also impressed. Analysts note Madrid are riding high—they’ve collected three straight wins in the tournament with a 7‑1 goal differential.
Team Details
A comprehensive breakdown of each team’s details heading into the semifinal:
Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG)
Squad Overview
PSG’s 23-man squad boasts a mix of seasoned stars and exciting young talents. Essentials include:
• Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Safonov, Tenas
• Defenders: Marquinhos, Hernández, Kimpembe, Hakimi, Mendes, Beraldo, Pacho
• Midfielders: Doué, Mayulu, Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz, Gabriel Moscardo, João Neves
• Forwards: Dembélé, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Lee Kang-in, Mbaye
Key Injuries
• Dembélé played through a recent thigh issue, but recovered sufficiently to score against Bayern.
• Lucas Hernández and Kimpembe are fully fit; Hernández recently returned after knee surgery, and Kimpembe has been back since February.
Tactical Approach & Form
Head coach Luis Enrique leads a high-intensity, attack-focused style. PSG steamrolled Bayern 2–0 despite being reduced to nine men, with Dembélé and Doué delivering key goals and defensive solidity . Their success is built on a mix of international stars and dynamic youngsters like Barcola (10 assists this season) and Mayulu .
Real Madrid
Squad Overview
Xabi Alonso’s 34-man squad integrates experienced players, returning injured stars, and rising academy prospects :
• Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Fran González, Mestre
• Defenders: Carvajal, Militão, Rüdiger, Alaba, Alexander-Arnold, Mendy, Huijsen, Vázquez, Fran García, Asencio, among others
• Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouaméni, Güler, Camavinga (sidelined), Ceballos, etc.
• Forwards: Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick (recovering), Gonzalo García
Injuries & Returns
• Carvajal, Militão, Rüdiger, Alaba are back from ACL or meniscus tears and are gradually reintegrating.
• Camavinga remains out with a major adductor tendon rupture.
• Endrick recently rejoined the squad as he recovers from a hamstring issue.
• Mbappé returned from gastroenteritis and featured in the Juventus match.
Tactical Approach
Alonso has shifted the team toward a flexible 3–4–3 setup, maximizing wing-back contributions—particularly from Alexander‑Arnold—and integrating academy stars like Fran García, Gonzalo García, and Arda Güler. This system balances veteran familiarity with youthful energy.
Predicted lineups
The predicted starting lineups for the PSG vs Real Madrid semifinal:
Paris Saint‑Germain (4‑3‑3)
Based on recent XI against Bayern and lineup projections for this match:
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
RB: Achraf Hakimi
CBs: Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos (with Pacho and Hernández suspended due to recent red cards)
LB: Nuno Mendes
Midfield: João Neves – Vitinha – Fabián Ruiz
Forwards: Désiré Doué – Bradley Barcola – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Ousmane Dembélé is recovered but expected on the bench)
Note: PSG are down two central defenders (Pacho and Lucas Hernández), so expect Kimpembe and Marquinhos to start together .
Real Madrid (likely 3‑5‑2/3‑4‑3)
Drawing from their quarterfinal setup and youth integration:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
CBs: Rüdiger – Dean Huijsen (suspended, so likely Asencio replaces him) – Possibly another (e.g., Militão)
Wing‑backs: Trent Alexander‑Arnold – Fran García
Midfield: Arda Güler – Aurélien Tchouaméni (pivot) – Federico Valverde – Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Vinícius Jr – Gonzalo García (both scored in the quarter)
Note: Xabi Alonso’s system prioritizes academy talent and flexibility; Byron ball suggests a 3-5-2 with midfield stability from Güler in a deeper role . Mbappé is not eligible to play for Madrid.
Importance of the Second Semifinal – PSG vs Real Madrid
The second semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Paris Saint‑Germain and Real Madrid carries immense significance, not just as a pathway to the final, but as a symbolic clash between two of the most powerful football projects in Europe.
A Shot at Global Glory
• For PSG, this is a golden opportunity to win their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title, which would solidify their position among global elites. A win over Real Madrid would silence critics who’ve questioned their pedigree on the biggest stage.
• Real Madrid, the most successful club in football history, aims to add a sixth Club World Cup title to their record. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, this tournament is also a proving ground for Madrid’s next generation.
Clash of Generations & Styles
• The match brings contrasting philosophies head-to-head: PSG’s hybrid squad of superstar attackers and emerging French youth versus Madrid’s traditional structure bolstered by one of the world’s strongest academies.
• PSG’s Luis Enrique favors a possession-based, attacking approach, while Alonso’s Madrid emphasizes flexibility, vertical transitions, and youth integration.
Star Power and Emerging Heroes
• This fixture is loaded with star talent: Vinícius Jr., Dembélé, Bellingham, Güler, Hakimi, Barcola—a showcase of both experience and future Ballon d’Or candidates.
• It’s also a platform for breakout performances. Players like Fran García, Désiré Doué, and Gonzalo García are already stealing headlines this tournament.
Legacy & Momentum
• Winning this semifinal means entering the final as the favorite, potentially against Manchester City or another continental powerhouse.
• For PSG, victory would mark a historic milestone in their Qatari-era ambitions.
• For Real Madrid, it would confirm that their post-Ancelotti rebuild is already bearing fruit and that Alonso is ready to lead Madrid into a new golden era.
Conclusion
The second semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid is more than a clash of European giants—it’s a defining moment for both clubs. PSG, desperate to secure their first global title, bring youthful energy and attacking flair under Luis Enrique, while Real Madrid, steeped in history and driven by Xabi Alonso’s tactical evolution, look to reaffirm their global dominance. With star-studded lineups, rising talents, and the weight of legacy on the line, this match promises to deliver drama, intensity, and high-quality football. The winner not only advances to the final but also strengthens their claim as the true powerhouse of world football.
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