I watched this match and felt like I was seeing a masterclass in attack from start to finish. Champions League winners Paris Saint‑Germain made a powerful statement on June 15, 2025, defeating Atlético Madrid 4‑0 in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl to begin their FIFA Club World Cup run. From the opening whistle, PSG pressed high, moved the ball swiftly, and showed why they have scored 105 goals in all competitions this year aljazeera.comcadenaser.com.
Ruiz’s Stunning Opener
In the 19th minute, I saw Fabián Ruiz fire a left‑footed strike from outside the box that beat Jan Oblak at his near post, breaking the deadlock with impressive precision. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set him up with a clever layoff after PSG controlled the midfield, where their trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Ruiz dominated possession. It was classic PSG flair and clinical finishing in one moment aljazeera.comfifa.com.
Vitinha’s Midfield Masterclass
I can’t stop talking about Vitinha’s display, which earned him the match’s Most Valuable Player award. He completed 112 of 114 passes, giving him a 98.2 percent accuracy rate—the best for any Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder in a game with over 100 attempted passes since 2022. His right‑footed strike in first‑half stoppage time doubled the lead after he drifted into space unmarked, showing just how vital he is to PSG’s rhythm and control aljazeera.comapnews.com.
VAR Moment and Atlético Frustration
I felt Atlético’s hopes slip away in the 57th minute when Julián Álvarez thought he had pulled one back, only to see the goal ruled out by VAR for a foul by Koke in the buildup. That call echoed Álvarez’s earlier penalty reversal in the Champions League round of 16 against Real Madrid, proving that video review looms large over big matches. Later, defender Clément Lenglet received a second yellow card, reducing Atlético to ten men and extinguishing any chance of a comeback espn.comespn.com.
Late Goals Seal the Victory
Substitute Senny Mayulu added a third goal in the 87th minute when he instinctively struck home at the near post, and Lee Kang‑in wrapped things up with a stoppage‑time penalty after a foul in the box. Both strikes confirmed PSG’s complete dominance and kept fans on their feet until the final whistle. I was especially impressed by the team’s resilience under the sweltering 31 °C heat, which did nothing to slow their momentum espn.comfoxsports.com.
What This Means for PSG
I believe Paris Saint‑Germain’s performance sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament: they intend to lift the Club World Cup trophy. Luis Enrique’s side showed fluid attacking play, defensive solidity, and an ability to perform under pressure. For Atlético, this result raises questions about their defensive tactics and reliance on veteran players, issues they must address quickly if they hope to progress as.comcadenaser.com.
I’m excited to see PSG’s next match and to watch how other teams respond to this display of power. If they maintain this level, they could finish the season with yet another major trophy. For now, I’m savouring the memory of four brilliant goals in Pasadena and wondering what new heights this PSG side will reach over the coming days.
