The football world holds its breath as two of Europe’s undisputed giants, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid, prepare to collide in a highly anticipated semifinal of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Set to take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this encounter is being dubbed “a final before the final” – and for good reason. With both teams showcasing formidable form and boasting rosters brimming with global superstars, this match promises a spectacle of tactical brilliance, individual flair, and high-stakes drama.
The Road to the Semifinal: Form and Fortitude
Both PSG and Real Madrid have navigated challenging paths to reach this pivotal stage, demonstrating their championship pedigree.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Resilient Run
Under the astute guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG has consistently displayed a blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the Club World Cup. Their quarterfinal clash against Bayern Munich was a testament to their resilience, as they secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory despite finishing with nine men due to red cards for Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández. Goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé sealed their place, with Gianluigi Donnarumma delivering a standout performance with crucial saves. PSG’s journey has cemented their status as strong contenders for the title, having already lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy this past season.
Real Madrid’s Dominant Display
Real Madrid, the reigning European champions in 2024, booked their semifinal spot with a thrilling 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund. Xabi Alonso’s side showcased their attacking might early on, with Gonzalo García and Fran García scoring within the first 20 minutes. While a late surge from Dortmund made the final minutes chaotic, a sensational overhead kick from Kylian Mbappé—his first goal of the tournament after battling illness—restored their two-goal cushion, and Real held on. This victory highlighted Real Madrid’s ability to control matches and their depth, even with key players like Mbappé managing their fitness.
Head-to-Head History: A Rivalry Forged in Europe
While this is a Club World Cup encounter, the history between PSG and Real Madrid is deeply rooted in their numerous clashes in the UEFA Champions League. These encounters have often been intense and unpredictable, with memorable comebacks and thrilling finishes.
Recent Champions League Encounters
| Season | Competition | Matchday | Venue | Result |
| 2021/22 | UEFA Champions League | R16 2nd Leg | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 3-1 PSG |
| 2021/22 | UEFA Champions League | R16 1st Leg | Parc des Princes | PSG 1-0 Real Madrid |
| 2019/20 | UEFA Champions League | Group A | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 2-2 PSG |
| 2019/20 | UEFA Champions League | Group A | Parc des Princes | PSG 3-0 Real Madrid |
| 2017/18 | UEFA Champions League | R16 2nd Leg | Parc des Princes | PSG 1-2 Real Madrid |
| 2017/18 | UEFA Champions League | R16 1st Leg | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 3-1 PSG |
Source: Transfermarkt, UEFA.com
Historically, Real Madrid has held a slight edge in competitive fixtures, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages. However, the current PSG side under Luis Enrique is a different beast, demonstrating a newfound maturity and tactical flexibility.
Key Players to Watch: Battle of the Superstars
The MetLife Stadium will be graced by a constellation of footballing talent, with several players expected to play pivotal roles.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): The narrative writes itself. Facing his former club for the first time since his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in June 2024, Mbappé’s performance will be under immense scrutiny. Having scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the quarterfinal, his return to full fitness and motivation against PSG will be a defining factor.
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): Dembélé has been crucial to PSG’s attack, consistently creating opportunities and chipping in with important goals. His pace, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses will be vital for the Parisian side.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The English midfielder continues to be a driving force for Real Madrid. His box-to-box energy, goal-scoring threat, and exceptional vision make him a central figure in Xabi Alonso’s system.
- Gonzalo García (Real Madrid): A revelation in this tournament, the 21-year-old forward has stepped up admirably, leading the competition in scoring with four goals. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement will be a constant threat.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG): The PSG goalkeeper has been in exceptional form, making critical saves that have kept his team in contention. His presence between the posts will be crucial in denying Real Madrid’s potent attack.
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG): The former Real Madrid full-back adds an intriguing dynamic to this match. His explosive runs down the right flank and defensive contributions will be key for PSG.
Tactical Battlegrounds: Alonso vs. Enrique
The tactical duel between Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and PSG’s Luis Enrique promises to be a fascinating contest.
- Real Madrid’s 3-5-2: Xabi Alonso has largely opted for a 3-5-2 formation, which provides defensive solidity while allowing their wing-backs to push high and create width. The midfield triumvirate, often featuring the likes of Valverde, Güler, and Bellingham, controls the tempo and initiates attacks. The focus will be on how they manage to integrate a fully fit Mbappé into this system and whether they can effectively counter PSG’s high press. The suspension of Dean Huijsen due to a red card will force a defensive adjustment, likely bringing in Raul Asencio.
- PSG’s Fluid Attack and High Press: Luis Enrique’s PSG typically employs a fluid attacking system with a strong emphasis on a high press to win back possession quickly. Their ability to blend individual brilliance with cohesive team play has been a hallmark of their success. The absence of Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández due to suspension will test their defensive depth, likely seeing Lucas Beraldo step into the central defense. Dembélé’s return will also offer more offensive options.
Key Tactical Considerations:
- Midfield Dominance: The battle for control in the midfield will be crucial. Both teams possess world-class midfielders capable of dictating play.
- Exploiting the Flanks: With attacking full-backs/wing-backs on both sides (e.g., Fran García for Real Madrid, Hakimi for PSG), exploiting wide areas and delivering dangerous crosses will be a key strategy.
- Set Pieces: In a match where fine margins will decide the outcome, set pieces could prove decisive. Both teams have players capable of delivering and converting from dead-ball situations.
- Counter-Attack Prowess: Real Madrid, in particular, is renowned for its devastating counter-attacks. PSG will need to be wary of giving away possession in dangerous areas.
Expert Insights and Predictions
Football pundits and analysts are universally predicting a tight, high-scoring affair. The sheer attacking talent on display suggests that both teams are highly likely to find the back of the net. While Real Madrid’s experience in major finals and their current momentum are undeniable, PSG’s recent Champions League triumph and tactical evolution make them equally formidable.
“This is going to be a classic,” states one expert. “PSG will press high and try to dictate the tempo, and Real are just fine with making the most of space on the counter. Hold on to your hats.”
Another highlights the return of Mbappé against his former club as a potentially defining factor. The emotional aspect of the game, combined with the players’ immense quality, sets the stage for a truly unforgettable encounter.
The Bigger Picture: Club World Cup Significance
Beyond the immediate rivalry, this semifinal is a significant moment in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, expanded and held entirely at a single venue in the United States, serves as a crucial test run for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The magnitude of this match underscores the growing global appeal and prestige of the Club World Cup.
A Clash of Titans Awaits
The semifinal between PSG and Real Madrid is more than just a football match; it’s a monumental clash between two of the sport’s most dominant forces. With tactical intrigue, a galaxy of stars, and the undeniable pressure of a “final before the final,” this encounter promises to be a memorable chapter in footballing history. For fans worldwide, it’s a must-watch event that will showcase the very best of club football.
Don’t miss a moment of the action!
- Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT (USA) / 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM BST (Europe)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Streaming: Visit DAZN’s Club World Cup page – where they are streaming all 63 matches, including PSG vs Real Madrid, live and free after registration.
- To watch, you:
Visit DAZN.com or open the DAZN app on your device.
Use “Get started” or “Log in”, enter your email (or use Google/Facebook).
Navigate to the FIFA Club World Cup section and select PSG vs Real Madrid.
This is all officially supported by DAZN and FIFA, with DAZN securing full global rights to stream for free ([turn0search38], [turn0search36]). You’re good to go!
