4 highlights from the incredible battle between PSG and Real Madrid

(NLDO) – European media praised PSG for taking only a few dozen minutes to turn Real Madrid's all-star squad into an amateur team with an unbelievable result in the semi-finals.

For the first time since 2009, Real Madrid lost by 4 goals in the semi-finals of an official tournament. Not only that, the 0-4 defeat against PSG was like a slap in the face to the self-esteem, prestige and pride of a team that always thought they possessed the "DNA of champions", won everywhere and had no worthy opponents.

The big match took place in front of more than 77,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium.

It is not an exaggeration to say that PSG "smashed" three goals into Real Madrid's net in less than half an hour, and won 4-0 overall, a "humiliation". In a semi-final match where they were inferior to their opponents in every index, from ball control, finishing, ball disputes to the difference in score, Real Madrid probably has nothing left to justify this historic defeat.

The highlights of the confrontation between the 5-time Club World Cup champion team and the new team stepping into the world -class playground for the first time were quite interesting:

Real Madrid defensive mistakes

Many expected this to be a tight contest between two of Europe's biggest powers, so whichever team scored first was crucial and it didn't take long for PSG to show their surprising superiority over Real Madrid.

PSG forced Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into two saves in the opening minutes of the match, as Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembélé tested the Spanish side's defence. However, Courtois was left helpless in the subsequent situations, with the "help" of his own defenders.

Fabian Ruiz scored early on against fellow countryman Real Madrid

In the sixth minute, Raul Asencio intercepted Désiré Doué's pass into the box, but his poor touch saw him trip as Dembélé charged in. The former Barcelona star dribbled past Courtois and then passed to Fabian Ruiz, who scored from a few yards out.

It wasn't the first, nor the last, mistake Madrid's defence made. Less than four minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger tried to pass the ball back to Courtois, but he was caught out by Dembélé.

The French striker charged into the box and beat Courtois with a close-range finish, scoring his 35th goal of the season and further cementing his place in the Ballon d'Or race.

Dembele scores in the race for the "Golden Ball" title

PSG scored two goals in three minutes, leaving Madrid looking disorganized and out of control. Los Blancos gradually settled into the game and created a few chances, but the Spanish side still had no answer to PSG's quick counter-attacks and sharp passing.

Have Real Madrid ever conceded 3 goals in less than half an hour?

In the 24th minute, PSG went from defense to attack in seconds, with Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi exchanging a one-two before finding Fabian Ruiz in an open position. It was no problem for the Spanish midfielder to score his second goal of the game against Courtois.

Kylian Mbappé starts for Real Madrid

After missing the group stage matches due to illness, Mbappé returned from the bench against Dortmund and started against PSG in the semi-finals.

The French striker was in his usual form when he scored against Dortmund in the semi-finals with an excellent scissor kick, creating confidence and earning a starting spot from head coach Xabi Alonso against his former club.

Kylian Mbappe disappointed in rematch with "old friend" PSG

Unfortunately, it wasn't the reunion Mbappé was hoping for, as the 26-year-old had a rather lackluster game, with Mbappe having four shots on target, two of which were blocked.

He had the fewest touches (27) of all the players who played the full 90 minutes, helpless against a very disciplined and solid PSG defense.

PSG won thanks to defense

Both teams were without key defenders through suspension or injury: PSG were without centre-back Willian Pacho and left-back Lucas Hernández, forcing coach Luis Enrique to bring on Lucas Beraldo alongside Hakimi, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes; Real Madrid were without two new signings, Dean Huijsen (suspended) and Alexander-Arnold (injured). Xabi Alonsi’s changes seemed to be unsuccessful, especially in the case of Raul Asencio.

Thibaut Courtois can't "bear" his teammates' mistakes

This is also a battle of two great goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma enters the semi-finals leading in clean sheets (4) and save percentage (92.3%), while Courtois leads in saves (19) and has the second best save percentage (90.5%).

Gianluigi Donnarumma on his way to winning the Golden Glove award

Only one team can win when the goalkeeper and defense shut down every attack. PSG completely shut down Madrid's star-studded team and will go into the final with five clean sheets and just one goal conceded in six games.

PSG advance to the final

Having won their first Champions League title last month, PSG were expected to go far in the Club World Cup. They started the tournament with a resounding 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid; faltered in their next match, losing 1-0 to Botafogo, but then beat Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami.

PSG is dreaming of the highest victory

Just a few days after defeating Bayern Munich, PSG beat the "giant" Real Madrid in the semi-finals with the message: No one can stop them from reaching the final and stepping onto the highest podium for the first time in history.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/4-diem-nhan-tu-man-dai-chien-khong-tuong-psg-real-madrid-196250710102126524.htm