The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal was unlike anything Real Madrid could have anticipated, a shocking 4-0 rout at the hands of UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain(PSG) at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 10, 2025. The match was billed as a competitive battle between two historic European giants. That expectation was wiped away quickly with PSG delivering a thorough beating to Madrid.
The severe loss eliminated Real Madrid from the competition and exposed underlying issues the team have sustained under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Here is an analysis of the three main factors to blame for Real Madrid’s demise.
1. Tactical Transition Under Xabi Alonso Still Incomplete
The match was Madrid’s first major test under Xabi Alonso, who became head coach in June 2025. A tactical transition was promised from the highly-rated Spaniard, who has pledged a new style of team play with high pressing and fluid passing; however, the tactical system is raw and unfinished.
Throughout the match, Madrid lacked structure on both attack and defence. They could not sustain cohesive pressing lines, which created confusion in the linking players’ roles in front of the midfield. PSG exploited this and scored three of their four goals within the first 25 minutes of play, Fabian Ruiz got two (6′, 24′) and the other goal was scored by Ousmane Dembéle. Alonso probably would have made a change; however, it was too late as Madrid looked out-muscled by PSG’s vigorous pace and their organised pressing and pressing out of possession.
Also Read: Premier League Mobile App Betting for India, UK, USA & More
2. Controversial Lineup Choices: No Camavinga or Rodrygo Starting
Alonso’s choice to omit Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo from the starting XI raised eyebrows before the match even started. When you take Camavinga out of the XI, it is like leaving the shield to your defence on the bench, and it means Real’s midfield was exposed. PSG’s midfielders Ruiz, Ugarte, and Vitinha took total advantage of the open midfield and tempo of the game.
Rodrygo would have added some form of creativity and width to Madrid’s attacks, but he was not available. Madrid were overly dependent on Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to create offensive opportunities, and because of this, PSG had the luxury of concentrating their defensive efforts on two players without concern for a potential third option.
3. Over-Dependence on an Ageing
Although having legendary status, veterans like Luka Modrić (39), Lucas Vázquez (34) demonstrated the wear and tear needed in a game filled with unrelenting intensity. Modrić, who started the game, played exactly how you would expect with his unique composure and vision. He struggled during the hectic transitions of PSG. The asymmetrical design of the midfield opened gaps where PSG could easily bypass Madrid, which led to frequent moments of attack, capped off by Gonçalo Ramos’s fourth goal in the 87th minute.
This semifinal marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in his career at Real Madrid, as confirmed post-game, a fairly fitting ending on one of football’s biggest stages. Vázquez, in a similar manner, gave everything he had, but again, it was the pace of the game that dictated when a squad must have fresh legs.
Why Choose 96bet for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Betting Odds?
Looking to be smart during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? Here’s why 96.in com is your ultimate destination for FIFA Club World Cup Betting Odds:
- Real Time Odds & Dynamic Markets for every Club World Cup match
- Prop bet on markets like First Goal Time, Goal Scorers, and Half-Time Score
- Instant Deposits & Fast Withdrawals
- Special Bonus Promotions during semi final & final match days
Whether you are betting on PSG to win the trophy overall or individual performances, 96bet
keeps you ahead of the game.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat against PSG in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was not simply a loss, it was a wake-up call in terms of tactics and structure. The team is still reeling from the management of Xabi Alonso, but there is an obvious glaring choice over selection in midfield, a lack of clear structure, reliance on older players, all whilst finding a way to win.
On the flip side, the PSG juggernaut looks unstoppable going into the final. If you want to enjoy the Club World Cup, then do watch. Be ready to enjoy the super heavyweight battle 2024–25 UEFA Conference League Winners Chelsea to go one up against the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League Winners PSG in this mouthwatering final of FIFA Club WC 2025 on 14th July at 12:30 AM IST.
Predict. Win, only on the 96 official website.
