Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Making their debut in the competition, both sides clashed in Group B, but it was the French champions who made the more emphatic statement.
Atletico showed early promise when Julian Alvarez’s free-kick narrowly missed Gianluigi Donnarumma’s post just three minutes into the match.
PSG responded in the 17th minute with their first real opportunity, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia brought the ball under control and fired on the turn, forcing Jan Oblak into a save.
Oblak couldn’t keep PSG out for long. Just two minutes later, Kvaratskhelia teed up Fabian Ruiz, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
With the lead, PSG began to control possession, although the match slowed under the intense Californian heat. Atletico nearly drew level when Antoine Griezmann unleashed a shot at Donnarumma, but PSG struck again moments later. Kvaratskhelia turned provider once more, finding Vitinha in space. The midfielder calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.
Luis Enrique’s attacking blueprint was evident again early in the second half, with Nuno Mendes slicing through Atletico’s defence and setting up Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian’s curling effort was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Oblak.
Atletico thought they had pulled one back when Alvarez found the net, but VAR ruled out the goal for a foul by Koke in the buildup.
Their hopes were dashed further in the 79th minute when Clement Lenglet was sent off after protesting the referee’s decision not to punish Senny Mayulu for blocking Oblak’s roll-out. Referee Istvan Kovacs deemed the protest worthy of a second yellow card, reducing Atletico to ten men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Atletico created a golden chance shortly after, only for Alexander Sorloth to sky his shot from four yards out.
PSG’s pressure eventually paid off again. A dangerous cross from Achraf Hakimi wasn’t cleared, allowing Mayulu to pounce and fire into the bottom corner. It was a landmark win for PSG — their first competitive victory over Atletico — and also marked Luis Enrique’s 10th win against Diego Simeone.
In stoppage time, PSG were awarded a penalty after VAR spotted a handball by Robin Le Normand. Lee Kang-in stepped up and converted to seal a comprehensive 4-0 win.
“If the Parisians weren’t favourites before this tournament, they will be in the eyes of some followers, after passing their toughest group stage test on paper with flying colours.”
