PSG crush chaotic Atlético in fiery Club World Cup opener

Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in emphatic style, crushing 10-man Atlético Madrid 4-0 in a one-sided Group B clash at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Sunday, 15 June.

The reigning UEFA Champions League champions were in ruthless form, suffocating Diego Simeone’s side and restricting them to just one shot on target all match.

First-half masterclass from PSG

The French giants broke the deadlock in the 19th minute after a slick passing move on the edge of the box.

Fabián Ruiz seized the opportunity, drilling a low shot past Jan Oblak into the far corner.

PSG doubled their lead just before half-time. Atlético’s best chance of the opening period fell to Antoine Griezmann, but his effort was comfortably saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Parisians immediately countered, with Vitinha calmly slotting home from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.

Atlético’s frustrations boil over

Los Rojiblancos started the second half with intent, and Julián Álvarez thought he had pulled one back in the 57th minute—only for the goal to be ruled out after a foul on PSG’s Désiré Doué in the build-up.

Discipline unravelled for Simeone’s men, who racked up six yellow cards before Clément Lenglet saw red in the 78th minute.

The defender was dismissed for dissent after protesting the referee’s decision not to stop play when substitute Senny Mayulu obstructed Oblak.

Mayulu compounded Atlético’s misery in the 87th minute, pouncing on a defensive lapse to fire home PSG’s third.

The humiliation was complete in stoppage time when Lee Kang-in converted a penalty after Robin Le Normand handled in the box.

Post-match reaction

Luis Enrique, PSG’s manager, praised his side’s adaptability in the California heat: “I think we are competing at the same level as we were before. Even with this temperature and heat. You have to manage (the heat) because it’s the best time for the European countries, but it’s difficult to play in those conditions.”

“Every single player has been developing, showing to the team their best quality. As a coach, I’m very happy.”

Man of the match Vitinha added: “We [had] a very good game. It’s not easy; it’s difficult with this temperature. We did well against a very good team. Everybody knows Atlético is a tough team, an aggressive team. We managed to control all of the game.”