PASADENA, CALIFORNIA — Paris Saint-Germain began their Club World Cup journey with a powerful statement, dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Rose Bowl on Sunday in a clash of European heavyweights.
Fresh off their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, PSG looked sharp and well-drilled from the opening whistle. Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a finely placed effort from outside the area, setting the tone for what would be a dominant display.
Atletico had a brief chance to equalize late in the first half, but Gianluigi Donnarumma stood firm to deny Antoine Griezmann. Almost immediately, Vitinha sliced through Atletico’s backline and finished calmly to double the lead before halftime.
Julian Alvarez found the net for Atletico early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR check that confirmed Koke had fouled Désiré Doué in the lead-up. Atletico’s frustrations mounted when Clement Lenglet was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 78th minute.
A glaring miss by Alexander Sørloth minutes later, despite having an open goal, summed up Atletico’s misfortunes. PSG capitalized on the momentum, with substitute Senny Mayulu netting a third in the 87th minute. The scoring concluded in stoppage time as Lee Kang-in converted a penalty after Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box.
Vitinha, who was named man of the match, reflected on the win during his post-game interview with DAZN:
“We did a very good game, it is difficult with this temperature. We did well against a tough team, we controlled all of the game. We are happy with the result. The toughest thing to do in football is to maintain the level, and that is what I try to do.”
Head coach Luis Enrique praised his players’ performance and the energy inside the stadium:
“I think every single player showed their best quality to the team. As a coach, I am happy. Really great to feel that love [from the stadium]. We are happy and want to continue with our ways.”
Despite missing Ousmane Dembélé due to injury, PSG hardly missed a beat. Luis Enrique fielded an almost identical lineup to the one that lifted the Champions League trophy, with Gonçalo Ramos replacing the injured French forward.
With 74% possession and 11 shots on target, PSG maintained control throughout, while Atletico registered just one effort on goal. Over 80,000 fans filled the Rose Bowl under the California sun, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the tournament’s group stage showdown.
Vitinha, reflecting on the crowd, added:
“It was a different environment, but it feels good to see so many people in the USA here to watch soccer, or to watch football, as I say.”
Next up, PSG face Brazilian side Botafogo on Thursday at the same venue. Atletico Madrid will look to regroup as they prepare to meet Seattle Sounders FC in their next Group B match in Seattle.