June 16, 2025 – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) launched their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign in style, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on June 15, 2025. The European champions, fresh off a treble-winning season, showcased their dominance with a clinical performance, setting a high bar for the tournament and thrilling football fans across Europe and beyond.
A Masterclass in Pasadena
PSG did not delay in taking charge, with 82.6% possession in the opening 15 minutes of the scorching California weather, according to BBC Sport. Fabian Ruiz put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute through a low, long-range shot that came past Jan Oblak, taking advantage of a high press that left Atletico making an error. Right on the stroke of halftime, Vitinha doubled the advantage, capitalizing on an Antoine Griezmann mistake to complete a swift counter-attack, being awarded Man of the Match. “We dominated the match against a strong team,” Vitinha said after the game to ESPN, discussing the difficulty of playing in 31°C heat.
Atletico’s Struggles and Late Collapse
Atletico Madrid, for all their defensive solidity under Diego Simeone, were unable to keep pace with PSG’s constant pace. The second half witnessed Julian Alvarez’s goal being ruled out after a VAR check established Koke’s foul on Désiré Doué, according to The Guardian. Atletico’s troubles were compounded as Clement Lenglet was dismissed in the 78th minute for dissent, leaving them with 10 men. Replacement Senny Mayulu had completed the scoring at 3-0 in the 87th minute by banging home from close range, before Lee Kang-in wrapped up the rout with a stoppage-time penalty after Giuliano Simeone had committed a handball, as reported by Outlook India.
European Superiority on Show
PSG’s 4-0 victory—comprising 74% possession and 11 on-target shots to Atletico’s one, according to ESPN—_put them among favorites,_ with the Opta supercomputer assigning them an 18.5% likelihood of holding aloft the trophy. The game, before a crowd of 80,619, emphasized increasing European control within enlarged Club World Cup, though the heat of midday created fears over player safety in the leadup to the 2026 World Cup, as mentioned on X. Luis Enrique’s team, deprived of Ousmane Dembélé through UEFA Nations League injury, gave no indication they were rusty in their 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan last month.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
European supporters hailed PSG’s statement win, with tweets on X referring to it as a “masterclass” and complimenting Vitinha’s command of midfield. Atletico’s loss was a low point for Simeone, allowing four goals, a red card, and a penalty in a single game for the first time, according to The Athletic. PSG next play Botafogo on June 19 at the Rose Bowl, while Atletico host Seattle Sounders in Seattle, looking to bounce back.
Read more : South Africa Breaks 27-Year ICC Drought with WTC Victory Over Australia at Lord’s
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on The Ink Post. Get Latest Updates, Latest News on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Explainers.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn and Twitter to Stay updated!
