Sun 15 June 2025 | FIFA Club World Cup – Group B
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena | Attendance: 80,619
Paris Saint-Germain marked their FIFA Club World Cup debut with a dominant 4-0 win over fellow European heavyweights Atlético Madrid, in what was the first-ever meeting of two European sides in the tournament’s history.
PSG, the newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners, showcased their quality under the scorching Pasadena sun, controlling possession and dictating tempo from the opening whistle.
⚽ Key Moments:
- 19’ – Goal: Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring with a crisp low strike from the edge of the box.
- 45+1’ – Goal: Vitinha danced through Atlético’s defence before coolly finishing past Jan Oblak.
- 78’ – Red Card: Clément Lenglet was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.
- 87’ – Goal: Senny Mayulu, continuing his fine form, found the bottom corner with a clinical finish.
- 90+7’ – Penalty Goal: Lee Kang-In converted from the spot after a VAR-awarded handball.
Final Score: PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid
Half-Time: PSG 2–0 Atlético Madrid
Heat and Controversy:
The midday kickoff subjected players to punishing 31°C (88°F) heat, prompting two cooling breaks as concerns rise about player safety in early time slots. FIFPro has already criticized FIFA’s heat protocols, claiming they fall short of adequately protecting athletes.
“Conditions were difficult,” said Vitinha, named Player of the Match. Manager Luis Enrique added, “The heat had a definite impact on the rhythm and intensity.”
Standout Performers:
- Vitinha (PSG): Orchestrated midfield play with composure and scored a superb goal.
- Fabián Ruiz (PSG): Set the tone early with a powerful opener and dictated tempo.
- Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG): Assisted Mayulu and nearly scored himself, striking the post in added time.
Despite his two assists, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a quiet outing overall, with his standout curling effort tipped onto the bar by Oblak.
📊 Key Stats:
- Possession (first 15 minutes): PSG – 82.6%
- Shots on target: PSG – 9 | Atlético – 2
- Total Goals for PSG in 2025: 103 of their 154 total have come since January.
- Disciplinary: Clément Lenglet (Atlético) – 2 Yellow Cards (Sent off)
🧊 Cooling Breaks & Player Welfare:
With two cooling breaks implemented, many players could be seen using ice towels and water packs, highlighting the serious challenge of hosting midday matches in the California heat. FIFA’s scheduling—35 of 63 matches before 17:00—has already drawn widespread criticism ahead of next year’s 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
🎯 What’s Next?
- PSG face Botafogo on Friday, 20 June (02:00 BST) in Pasadena.
- Atlético Madrid will look to bounce back against Seattle Sounders on Thursday, 19 June (23:00 BST) in Seattle.
🎙️ Quotes:
Luis Enrique (PSG manager):
“We respect every opponent, but this was a professional start. There’s still a long way to go.”
Vitinha (Player of the Match):
“The heat made it hard, but we stayed focused and stuck to the plan.”
🏆 Player of the Match: Vitinha (#17)
Average Rating: 7.39
Watch the full highlights here.
