Real Madrid endured one of its toughest moments in the current Club World Cup:
A crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, which not only knocked them out of the tournament but also raised serious questions about their tactical and overall footballing form. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was a complete rout. From the opening minutes, defensive errors by Marco Asensio and Antonio Rüdiger paved the way for a lethal PSG attack. Fabián Ruiz struck twice (in the 6th and 24th minutes), followed by a goal from Ousmane Dembélé (9th min), and a final blow from Gonçalo Ramos in the 87th.
With over 75% possession in the first half, PSG overwhelmed their opponents with tactical clarity that Madrid couldn’t match. Criticism from the Spanish press came swiftly, labeling the performance as a “collective suicide” and calling for urgent answers from head coach Xabi Alonso. Even goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois took responsibility during the post-match press conference, apologizing to Real Madrid fans for what he called a “disgraceful performance.”
Despite the crushing defeat, there is one factor that softens the blow: financially, the club didn’t lose. By reaching the semifinals, Real Madrid has already earned between €70 and €85 million from their participation in the tournament. An astronomical sum that turns sporting failure into financial relief, though it offers no solace to their pride.
What lessons should Real Madrid take from this defeat?
First, the team clearly lacked cohesion and showed physical fatigue against a PSG side that displayed energy and tactical sharpness. Questions surrounding the starting lineup, especially in defense, and the lack of collective response must be addressed urgently. Second, this collapse presents an opportunity for reassessment: Xabi Alonso must adjust his system to restore balance in central defense and reestablish high-pressure intensity.
Lastly, the message is clear: money isn’t everything. While the tournament offers a generous financial reward, on the pitch, true dominance is still up for grabs. The real win will come if Madrid transforms this humiliation into motivation to rebuild and come back stronger.
In summary, Madrid may have won financially, but they’ve lost momentum emotionally and on the field. To remain a football giant, they must respond immediately. The title can wait, pride cannot.
