"You have to give 100% for everything this shirt represents, and we know how great Real Madrid is," Enrique said after the win at MetLife Stadium. "We didn't let up, but of course with the heat, with the final in three days, and with the risk of cramps and fatigue, you have to adapt. The goal was to reach the final, and we never slowed down."
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Coach Luis Enrique directs PSG in their 4-0 win over Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on 9/7/2025. Photo: AS |
At MetLife Stadium on 9/7, PSG had a dream start. The Parisian club capitalized on Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger’s errors to take a 2-0 lead after 9 minutes. They went into halftime with a three-goal advantage after Fabian Ruiz finished from close range, completing his brace in the 24th minute.
It was the first time PSG had scored three goals in the first 24 minutes since a Ligue 1 match against Monaco in 4/2018. Meanwhile, it was the first time Real Madrid had conceded three goals in 24 minutes since a La Liga match against Sevilla in 11/2003.
In the second half, PSG reduced their tempo, similar to their round of 16 victory against Inter Miami, where they led 4-0 after the first 45 minutes. Enrique substituted key players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz, Desire Doue, and Nuno Mendes. However, PSG still added another goal through Ramos in the 87th minute to seal a 4-0 win.
PSG will face Chelsea in the final, also at MetLife Stadium, at 2 a.m. on 14/7, Hanoi time. PSG are aiming to win every trophy this season, having already secured the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the Champions League.
"Now we are just one game away from making history and winning all the titles this season," Enrique said enthusiastically. "It means a lot to the whole team and the fans. It's a joy to work at this club."
The coach recalled the time when PSG were criticized and doubted. "In January, people said we didn't have leaders and didn't score goals," he said. When asked about the key to success, Enrique replied: "The superior style of play and the generosity of the players, the way they give everything for the team."
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Ousmane Dembele celebrates his goal, making it 2-0. Photo: PSG |
Enrique reiterated that Ousmane Dembele deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Across all competitions this season, the French forward has 35 goals and 14 assists.
Against Real Madrid, Dembele assisted Ruiz for the opening goal in the 6th minute and then doubled the lead three minutes later. The 28-year-old forward became the first player to be involved in two goals in the first 9 minutes against Real Madrid since the 2002-2003 season.
Hong Duy (according to the Guardian, beIN SPORTS)
